Theatre
Radio perdi ion
‘AFTER THE THEATRE, WAS DESTROYED THE KIDS HAD NO HOPE LEI-'I"
Steve Cramer talks to actor Tam Dean Burn about a unique theatre event in support of a good cause.
c it breaking up with a partner. having trouble
at work or not having work at all: at times of stress. we often turn to art as our source of
comfort. Watching Brief lineuunler for a good purgation of the tear ducts or Harvey. in order to imagine a bit of good in the world is one thing. (letting involved in the creation of art is even better. Anyone who has worked on the humblest of am-dram projects might attest to its healing properties. (‘hildren and young people participating in The lireedom Theatre at the Jenin Refugee (‘amp in Palestine had far more need of such therapy any of us in the West. so the destruction of the theatre alter the Israeli attack of 2002 was a body blow.
The event was documented in lsreali actor Juliano Mer Khamis' film .‘lrnu 's ('lii/t/ren. and his international tour to raise funds for the theatre might be seen as a beacon of hope in Israeli-Pa|estinian relations.
Tam Dean Burn. who will be performing in a production of Jim Allen's Perdition as part of the Scottish leg of this tour. takes up the story: 'The theatre ran through the 90s. In the film. you meet the kids who were involved in it. After the attack on Jenin in 2002. the film goes back to Jenin. The theatre has been trashed and many of the kids are dead. some as suicide bombers. They‘d been so passionate about the theatre. and after it was destroyed they had no hope left at all. It reopened in February of this year. but they need a more permanent structure. so luliano has gone on this tour to raise the funds. There's been a lot of support for the idea. even from Nicholas llytner. Artistic Director of the Royal National Theatre.~
Mer Khatnir is a fascinating character in himself. His film was based on the life of his mother. an Israeli
84 THE LIST 3'2 Jun—6 .Jul 2091‘
woman who defended her country as a soldier in the war of I‘MS. but became socially conscious of the plight of the Palestinians. and set up the children‘s theatre in response. Perdition. too. has an intriguing story behind it. You‘d think The Royal (‘ourt Theatre would welcome a script by perhaps Britain's most articulate working class writer of the time. particularly given that the piece would be directed by the equally auspicious filmmaker Ken l.oach. Yet. in “)37. it was pulled from the production schedule at the last moment. amid murmurings about intercessions by influential people to have it banned.
This will be a rare chance to see the play. The event in (ilasgow will incorporate Allen‘s play. as well as contrilmtions. in a bill that runs from afternoon until late night. from writer Tom Leonard and a host of local bands. The cast of Perdition. a story about the deal made between prominent Hungarian Zionists and Adolph Iiichmann which. in the late stages of the Second World War. saw the lives of many Jews traded for the sanctuary of prominent few who escaped to Palestine. looks pretty starry. Appearing with Burn in (ilasgow will be such notables as (iary Lewis. the noted stage and screen actor. perhaps best known as the father of Billy [fl/int. and stalwart of Scottish stage and screen. Barbara Rafferty. News that the event is to happen at all is so hot off the presses that the lidinburgh version is not yet fully cast. though you can expect some equally well-kent faces. Meantime. there's a chance for a drink. a knees-up and some contrm'ersial theatre. and all for a bunch of very deprived kids who need their theatre back.
The Millennium Centre, Edinburgh, Sat 1 Jul; Carnival Arts Centre, Glasgow, Sun 2 Jul.
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THE BEST THEATRE & DANCE
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at Susanna: A quite different version of A Midsummer Night's Dream is available outdoors in Glasgow. where. equipped with headphones. the audience tour the gardens and find. in various settings. a much darker version of this romantic comedy. David Leddy‘s production sounds challenging and thought provoking. and uses its setting with guile. Botannica/ Gardens Glasgow, Mon 26 Jun- Sat 22 Jul.
1' A Mldsummer Night’s Dream Fun in Princess Street Gardens as this touring version of the Bard's most popular summer production reaches Edinburgh. Enjoy all the emotional confusion. and outdoor adventure. Wayne Sleep’s Puck looks like a highlight. Ross Bandstand, Princess Street Gardens, Tue 27 Jun-Wed 72 Jul.
* Jackie, or the Submlsslon Ionescu’s dark comedy is brought to Glasgow's stages under the auspices of the NTS. The story of two families hyped up for a wedding. and the general unease of the groom, the piece promises an exploration of the darker side of the human psyche. Tron Theatre, Glasgow. until Thu 22 Jun.
It Mouth of Silence The mixed ability company Birds of Paradise has attracted a good deal of praise over the years, so this piece, which explores the nature of exile and the consequences of becoming a refugee should prove impacttul. Tramway, Glasgow, Thu 22—Sat 24 Jun.
it Wars of the Roses Northern Stage presents this melding of the three parts of Henry VI with Richard III for some epic Shakespearean narrative. Featuring an earthy and accessible style, this company might well enliven one of Shakespeare's less admired tritogies. Theatre Royal, Glasgow, until Sat 24 Jun.