Theatre HITLIST THE BEST THEATRE & DANCE
list.co.uk/theatre
I
E G D R B N O Y L N E L G
;
F F U D C M O T N O T
; I
I
K C D D R T R A W E T S / O T O F P L B
I
N A W N E K - A G Y M M O T
Haircuts by Children The Arches Behaviour festival of new work with an experimental edge continues with this pithily titled interactive theatre experience from Canadian company Mammalian Diving Reflex. See feature, page 22. Alice Rocks, Glasgow, Sat 28 & Sun 29 Apr.
L L E R R A F W E R D
Kidnapped Stage adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s swashbuckling historical adventure, from Cumbernauld Theatre. See preview, page 114. Touring Scotland until Sat 26 May.
Enquirer Site-specific piece exploring the state of the newspaper industry, based on interviews with around 50 journalists. See preview, page 109. The Hub, Pacific Quay, Glasgow, Thu 26 Apr–Sat 12 May. Mayfesto Festival of political theatre, including work exploring last year’s riots in England and documentary theatre works by young Egyptian artists. See feature, page 108. Tron Theatre, Glasgow, Tue 1–Sat 19 May.
Anne Boleyn Howard Brenton brings a fresh perspective to the story of Henry VIII’s ill-fated second wife in this historical tragicomedy, first seen at the Globe. See preview, page 116. Edinburgh Festival Theatre, Tue 8–Sat 12 May. Trisha Brown Dance Company Triple bill of work from one of the most influential figures to emerge from the postmodern era in American contemporary dance. See preview, page 110. Tramway, Glasgow, Sat 12 & Sun 13 May.
King Lear David Hayman tackles the role of Shakespeare’s powerful, hubristic king in his first performance at the Citizens Theatre in some 33 years. See review, page 109. Citizens Theatre, Glasgow, until Sat 12 May. Lady M: His Fiend-Like Queen Theatre Jezebel strips back the Scottish Play to focus on the relationship between the lead couple. See preview, page 112. Tron Theatre, Glasgow, Wed 25–Sat 28 Apr.
Further Than the Furthest Thing Outgoing artistic director James Brining revives Zinnie Harris’ first play, about a group of islanders threatened by the eruption of a volcano. Dundee Rep, Thu 26 Apr–Sat 5 May.
Breakin’ Convention 12 The bi-annual hip hop festival returns with an exciting mix of performances by newcomers and stars alike. See preview, page 110. Edinburgh Festival Theatre, Fri 18 & Sat 19 May.
Stage WHISPERS
MARTIN TRAVERS REVEALS HOW A WRITER’S
ATTACHMENT WITH NATIONAL
THEATRE OF SCOTLAND HELPED HIM COMPLETE HIS FIRST FULL-
LENGTH PLAY
The initial inspiration for Roman Bridge was the fact that rural Scotland is peppered with old stone bridges. Loads are called the Roman bridge but not many of them are. I like that, things seeming to be one thing and turning out to be something else. And I was trying to find a place to set a whole play in real time. An old bridge has lots going for it. Bridges are a place between places and are loaded with meaning and potential threat. The writing attachment with NTS was a godsend. I was able to take long walks in the snow and empty my head of the bits and bobs of everyday nonsense. I got up really early and wrote in the dark and went out for a couple of hours at first light; trudging through the white trees around the frozen Clyde put the characters and the things they endure into a solid perspective. The end was never satisfying enough before the attachment – I think it is now. I hope the audience agrees!
Are there plans to mount a full production? I hope so. That’s for NTS to decide. The more people that make the effort to see the play will probably help to influence that decision . . . I’ve always got ideas for a new play. I’m thinking about one that revolves around a planned bare- knuckle fight. A big cast. It might be called Square Go. But the funny thing is plays evolve as they are developed so it might end up being a monologue about cross-stitch and puff pastry. ■ Roman Bridge (rehearsed reading), Citizens Theatre, Glasgow, Wed 2–Sat 12 May. Part of Reveal 2012.
26 Apr–24 May 2012 THE LIST 107