Theatre
PREVIEW FESTIVAL NEW WORKS NEW WORLDS The Arches, Glasgow, Wed 30 Jun–Sat 3 Jul
For several years now, the Arches’ New Works New Worlds festival has produced alternative views of both art and the world, and the signs are that Glasgow audiences are increasingly aware of it as a place to go for ideas that swim outside the mainstream. ‘It offers an empowering support platform for
alternative thinkers, for them to creatively challenge and explore aspects of our culture in playful and honest ways,’ explains director Suzi Simpson. ‘And it will create, not just a different headspace, but a different physical space.’ She continues: ‘One of the things I’ve done is try to
create spaces where people can reflect on and contemplate the art, so there are some installations that people can take part in that allow this in an intimate setting. There are generally a lot of opportunities for people to participate this year.’ Among the dozen or so acts in the festival, White Horse Collective’s Institute for Matters of the Heart takes us away from everyday survival into the world of love. ‘They’ve been collecting and recording love
declarations from people all over the world,’ says Simpson. ‘Its intention is to re-engage us with our most tender emotions in an atmosphere of financial and social insecurity. They’re seeking to engage with the audience, who are encouraged to make their own declarations.’ Tam Dean Burn, whose distinguished performances in
such pieces as Venus as a Boy and The Year of the Horse render him a kind of prince of the distinctly non- monarchical alternative theatre world, is also back. With actress and singer Linda Duru, Burn will be presenting The Black and White Minstrel Show (pictured), a history of racism in Scotland going back 150 years. Meanwhile, Lucy Gaizley presents a study of attitudes to nurture in our society, entitled Stay. As a single mother of three Gaizley will no doubt speak from the heart, though this piece promises to explore darker sides of the subject.
As Simpson sums it up, it’s all about new ways of thinking. ‘It feels like there’s a theme this year. It’s about community, and making meaningful connections with people through art. It’s a process that brings people together, getting them to share ideas and ask questions of the world.’ (Steve Cramer)
PREVIEW CLASSIC THE CARETAKER Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh, Fri 25 & Sat 26 Jun
London Classic Theatre have toured a startling array of productions ranging from Marivaux’s early 18th century comedy of manners The Double Inconstancy to contemporary classics by Patrick Marber and Martin McDonagh. But it was to Pinter’s The Caretaker, originally produced by the company in 2004, that artistic director Michael Cabot returned for their tenth anniversary programme.
‘I’m a huge fan of Pinter’s work,’ says Cabot. ‘Working with such fantastic writing is always a privilege. I had great memories of the 2004 tour – I think it was the first time we showed what we were capable of as a touring company, in terms of the ambition of the kind of work we wanted to produce. When I realised it might be possible to get most of the original team together, everything just fell into place.’
Pinter’s play, in which three social misfits convene in a West London house, has been fascinating and baffling audiences for nearly 50 years with its characteristic mix of dark humour and creeping menace. Cabot attributes its enduring appeal to the truth that underlies the writing.
‘We do our best to make the words and the situation as real and clear as we can,’ he says. ‘The audience can connect with the humour on many different levels, but I think when they trust the actors and engage with the characters, everything falls into place and the comedy just happens. It’s all there in the writing – it’s our job to trust what is on the page.’ (Allan Radcliffe)
PREVIEW COMEDY VALHALLA! Tron Theatre, Glasgow Tue 6–Sat 24 Jul
Theatre-goers beware: reality will leave the building when artistic director Andy Arnold’s latest summer production arrives at the Tron. Following on from last year’s darkly comic Cooking With Elvis, Valhalla! is similarly offbeat, replete as it is with magic swans, hunchbacked princess and bonkers fitness instructors. ‘It’s very camp, very funny, very moving and should appeal to all kinds of audience,’ laughs Arnold, during a short break from rehearsals.
Penned by Hollywood screenwriter Paul Rudnick (Addams Family Values, The Stepford Wives), Valhalla! focuses on young prince Ludwig, in 19th century Bavaria, who is under pressure to find a bride; meanwhile, in small-town Texas some 100 years later, James is in love with his best friend. Confused? Fear not, says Arnold.
‘The worlds collide, yes, but the story carries you along with it,’ assures Arnold who loved the script from the first time he read it. ‘I knew I wanted to do it straight away. Strictly speaking it’s about Ludwig of Bavaria, a mad King who liked to build castles. But that’s just a superficial storyline that allows for some very funny one-liners and just a very good script.’
With a first class cast including River City’s Joyce Falconer as the Queen of Bavaria and Johnny McKnight as Ludwig, fresh from his success with Little Johnny’s Big Gay Wedding, not to mention Kenny Miller on design duties, Arnold has high hopes of a big success. ‘It’s played by seven performers but there are thousands of characters really,’ explains
Arnold. ‘So hopefully there’s something in there for everyone.’ (Anna Millar)
84 THE LIST 24 Jun–8 Jul 2010
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