Coventry theatres announce groundbreaking productions.
Two new pieces of theatre commissioned as part of award-winning Theatre Absolute’s two-year project Are We Where We Are? will premiere at the Shop Front Theatre this winter. Taking American novelist Henry David Thoreau’s provocation “We are not where we are, but in a false position” as a central theme, these new commissions explore stories of the personal and the political.
Yellowstone, written and performed by Chris Thorpe is the fifth in a series of nine new pieces commissioned for the stage. This short form piece premieres on Thursday 25 January and is layered with allegory, laced with warning and demanding of humanity.
Choke written by Chris O’Connell and sixth in the series premieres at the Shop Front Theatre on Tuesday 6th February and runs until 17th February. Choke tells the story of lifelong friends Rob and Stu, each staring into the gap between who they thought they were, and who they are now.
At the half way stage of the project Are We Where We Are? has seen three short form pieces written and performed by Jules Orcullo, Laila Alj and Sarah Woods and a monologue written by Rabiah Hussain play to sell out performances at the Shop Front Theatre. During 2018 audiences can expect three further short form theatre pieces, including Yellowstone by Chris Thorpe, the duologue, Choke by Chris O’Connell and a devised ensemble production later in the year.
Chris Thorpe is a writer and performer from Manchester. He was a founder member of Unlimited and is an associate artist of Third Angel. Recent work as a writer includes Victory Condition for the Royal Court, Beowulf for the Unicorn Theatre and The Shape of the Pain with Rachel Bagshaw and China Plate.
Chris O’Connell is co-founder, writer and artistic director of Theatre Absolute, Chris has written and devised work for theatre, television, film, and radio. He has written for companies such as Frantic Assembly (Hymns), the RSC, and Paines Plough.
Julia Negus, producer from Theatre Absolute said: “It’s been immensely exciting to so far have produced four of the nine commissions.The plays have conjured considerations and provocations across race, equality, gender, belonging, justice, and our undeniable commonality. They have led to some fascinating feedback with our audiences and the artists involved, giving us a sense that, here and now, in the 2nd decade of this new century, the themes of AWWWA are very much alive and pertinent. We are incredibly proud that our company is creating such important work by these fabulous writers here in Coventry. We look forward to what 2018 brings!”
Chris Thorpe’s Yellowstone premieres at the Shop Front Theatre, Coventry on Thursday 25th January at 7.30pm. Tickets are £8 (full price) & £6 (concessions) available here (please note a small online charge will apply) and includes an invite to stay for the post show discussion.
Chris O’Connell’s Choke premieres at the Shop Front Theatre, Coventry on Tuesday 6th February and runs until 17th February. There are both matinee and evening performances.
Tickets are £8 (full price) & £6 (concessions) available online via Theatre Absolute .
