A radical re-telling of Shakespeare's magical final playFor their tenth show, the acclaimed Firebird Theatre re-tells The Tempest from a unique and deeply personal perspective. Premiering at Bristol Old Vic between 4 and 6 March, The Tempest will then tour to Salisbury Arts Centre on Thursday 18 March and The Brewhouse in Taunton on Wednesday 19 May.
Devised in collaboration with guest director John Nicholson (Peepolykus) with original music by Sarah Moody (The Devil's Violin, Kneehigh Theatre, Travelling Light), Firebird bring their extraordinary brand of storytelling to Shakespeare's text, revealing a very human tale about the complexities, joys and tragedies of real life.
Developed over two years, this unique company of 16 disabled actors, who range in age from 21 to 65, re-tell Shakespeare's magical final play, offering audiences an insight into the personal stories and experiences of Firebird members whilst maintaining the spirit and integrity of Shakespeare's original play.
Firebird Theatre has been creating striking and imaginative theatre for the past twenty years. Recently the company has begun producing radical re-tellings of classic texts including The Caucasian Chalk Circle, The Boy With a Cart and 2007's hugely successful touring show Faustus, created with John Nicholson and the Olivier Award winner Kathryn Hunter. The Stage said "An extraordinary adaptation - quite remarkable performances."
Alongside performances of The Tempest, Firebird will be running workshops for schools, colleges and other disabled people. The performances will also be BSL interpreted (check with venue before booking).
The company want The Tempest to 'promote our unique brand of work to a wide cross section of the community; ultimately, it gives us the opportunity to celebrate and share with the wider public the theatre we make; our theatre is unique because of who we are.'
For further information, photographs, review tickets or to arrange an interview, please contact Matthew Austin on 07989 500732 or mp.austin@gmail.com
Listings Information
Firebird Theatre in association with Bristol Old Vic
The Tempest
Bristol Old Vic
4 - 6 March 2010, 7.30pm (plus matinee on Thursday 5 March at 2pm)
Tickets: £8/£6 (matinee all tickets £6)
Booking: 0117 987 7877
Online: www.bristololdvic.org.uk
King Street, Bristol, BS1 4ED
Brewhouse, Taunton
19 May 2010
Booking: 01823 283244
Online: www.thebrewhouse.com
Coal Orchard, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 1JL
Salisbury Arts Centre
18 March 2010, 8pm
Tickets: £9/£7
Booking: 01722 321744
Website: www.salisburyartscentre.co.uk
Bedwin Street, Salisbury, SP1 3UT
www.firebird-theatre.com
|
