“Because whatever has happened to humanity, whatever is currently happening, it is happening to us all. No matter how far off the screams of pain and terror, we live in one world.” (Alice Walker) //
Premiere of an experimental play that takes for its structure the four parts of the Geneva Convention – Wounded & Sick / Maritime / Prisoners of War / Civilians – to tell an ancient/contemporary story of the random depravity of war and its existential / psychological impacts for those who are involved and those who are not.
The work grows out of an international collaboration between local writer/theatremaker Mark C. Hewitt and renowned Norwegian percussionist/composer Thomas Strønen. Stylised and kaleidoscopic, the fractured evolving narrative is performed by 4 actresses from 4 different countries, variously delivering lines in English, French, Polish and a smattering of other languages.
• “BRILLIANT. Thought-provoking, raw, provocative, multi-dimensional; use of music, space, silence ... the brave lack of ‘closure’ or conventional narrative.” (Audience feedback)
• “Loved the performance, the set and how it changed, likewise the music ...” (Audience feedback)
• “A really powerful provocative piece.” (Audience feedback)
Written & directed by Mark C. Hewitt. Performed by Marta Carvalho, Leann O'Kasi, Melissa Sirol, Maria Ziołkowska. Music by Thomas Strønen, performed and recorded by Time Is A Blind Guide. Technical design by Paul Phillips. Videography by Matt Parsons. Movement consultant: Miriam King.
Related upcoming events
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27/06/2024 7:30 pm - 29/06/2024 9:30 pmRoad
'Road' explores the lives of a small, close-knit community living in the eponymous 'road' in a working class, Lancashire town during the era of the 1980's Thatcher government - a time of high unemployment, civil unrest and deprivation.The action takes place over the course of one evening as the residents of the road prepare to go out to the pub and then on home afterwards. Despite its explicit nature, it was considered extremely effective in portraying the desperation of people's lives at this time, as well as containing a great deal of gritty, Northern humour.A passionate, poetic and positive portrayal of working class life wherein in the audience is invited to follow the narrator, Scullery, as he travels along the road, visiting the different homes of the characters and getting messy in the local pub.'Road' is the first play written by Jim Cartwright, and was first produced in 1986. The play was initially performed at the Royal Court Theatre "Upstairs", with Edward Tudor-Pole as Scullery, moving "Downstairs" in 1987 with Ian Drury as the narrator. It was later made for television by renowned director Alan Clarke and starred many young actors who later became well-known including Jane Horrocks, David Thewlis, Moya Brady and Lesley Sharp. The play has won numerous awards including the George Devine Award, Plays and Players Award and the Samuel Beckett Award.
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13/07/2024 7:00 pm - 14/07/2024 8:00 pmThe IT
By Vivienne Franzmann
A teenage girl has something growing inside her. She doesn't know what it is, but she knows it's not a baby. It expands. It has claws. Eventually it takes over the entirety of her body.
No one must know about it. She has to keep its presence, its possession of her, concealed. She pulls away from her friends. She refuses to speak, in case 'The IT' is heard. But she can't contain it forever. Sooner or later something's got to give...Presented in the style of a direct-address documentary, Vivienne Franzmann's The IT is a darkly comic state-of-the-nation play exploring adolescent mental health and the rage within.
Presented by ACT Youth Theatre
Directed by Alice Elliott
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29/08/2024 7:30 pm - 29/08/2024 8:30 pmBeryl & Clive, Sing or Die (Their Musical)
Beryl & Clive, Sing or Die (Their Musical) is a comedy about relationships, believing in yourself & the determination it takes to follow your creative dreams, especially when you might not fit in with modern conventions!
Step into the vibrant world of Beryl & Clive, who are rewriting the rulebook with their offbeat antics and unwavering commitment to following their creative dreams. This quirky couple's quest for self-discovery and mutual understanding forms the heartwarming backdrop for a hilarious tale that delves deep into relationships, the empowering force of self-belief, and the transformative magic of embracing your true self.
“Not just funny, hilarious..." (James Pearson Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club)
This play blends clown, music, and dance to create a hilarious and uplifting story told by a talented cast of artists, and partnering with top- notch mentors, like James Pearson (Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club), Petra Massey (Spymonkey, BBC2) and Caroline Mummery (Royal Ballet School),
Beryl & Clive’ stands as a testament to the magic of collaborative creativity and the profound impact of storytelling.