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WIN TICKETS TO SEE RETURN TO THE FORBIDDEN PLANET AT THE

FESTIVAL THEATRE

FLAMENCO DANCE THEATRE THE TYPIST The Arches, Glasgow, Thu 12–Sat 14 Feb; Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh, Fri 27 & Sat 28 Feb

New company Kam-Ri’s flamenco production The Typist is a powerful testament to the human spirit. Focusing on Esperanza, one of Spain’s child refugees of the Civil War (‘Los Ninos De La Guerra’), it reveals the scars she bears as an adult 20 years later. As creator Kerieva McCormick explains: ‘Emotional themes are universal. Everyone has a past that comes back to haunt them at some point, and in the case of Esperanza it becomes the driving force of her life.’

Collaborating with McCormick, who takes the title role, is comedian and writer Alexei Sayle providing narration. ‘We were chatting at a comedy event in London,’ says McCormick, ‘he asked for the synopsis and stayed truly supportive to the project ever since.’ Also on board is video designer Tim Reid, who McCormick describes as ‘particularly good at layering visuals in a way that complements but doesn't overwhelm the action.’

With a fusion of flamenco dance choreographed by Javier Latorre, a former soloist at the National Ballet of Spain and storytelling under the direction of Grid Iron’s Ben Harrison, The Typist is a flamboyant, emotive and moving example of how the personal and the political are entwined. (Lorna Irvine)

BRECHT ON A LARGE STAGE CAUCASIAN CHALK CIRCLE Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh, Wed 18 Feb–Sat 14 Mar

Mark Thomson is enthusiastic about directing Brecht’s Caucasian Chalk Circle. Using the strength of the Lyceum’s scale, he is taking on a major work by one of the most important authors of the 20th century, which remains trenchant today. ‘I felt that the theatre needed to respond to the times we are in where there

seems an unstoppable march toward widening the gap between the rich and the poor,’ he says. ‘Caucasian simply says there might be another way of thinking.  It has the boldness of a parable in the truths it identifies but has a wonderfully complex political and human understanding that is celebrated by vivid, musical, comedic and emotional theatre.’ A firm socialist and believer in social change, Brecht's influence is huge across

contemporary theatre. 'Brecht’s great optimism is that he believed people us can change,' says Thomson. 'And boy, oh boy: I think we all know we need to.’(Gareth K Vile)

P H O T O © L A U R E N C E W N R A M

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The adored and critically acclaimed Olivier Award winning rock spectacular is returning on a much anticipated 25th anniversary UK tour featuring a special appearance by Grant Stott.

Inspired by Shakespeare’s Tempest and packed with rock ‘n’ roll classics such as Heard It Through the Grapevine, Young Girl, Good Vibrations and Gloria, with stunning special effects and a brilliant cast of actor musicians this is a great night out to remember. The List are giving away a pair of tickets to the opening night of Return to the Forbidden Planet at the Festival Theatre on Tue 10 Mar at 7.30pm. To be in with a chance of winning just log on to list.co.uk/ offers and tell us:

Which Forth1 DJ is appearing in the show? Return to the Forbidden Planet

Festival Theatre 0131 529 6000 Tue 10–Sat 14 Mar edtheatres.com

TERMS & CONDITIONS: COMPETITION CLOSES 3 MAR 2015. TICKETS FOR THE 7.30PM PERFORMANCE ON TUE 10 MAR 2015. NO CASH ALTERNATIVE. USUAL LIST RULES APPLY.

5 Feb–2 Apr 2015 THE LIST 83