Written nearly two centuries ago, Georg Büchner’s Woyzeck has been described as one of the most influential plays ever written. In this new large-scale theatre and dance staging directors Roxana Silbert and Rosie Kay, and writer Leo Butler, create for our time what Büchner intended for his – the story of a struggle for a better life.

Set in the present day, Woyzeck is the story of a young soldier who just can’t get a break. He’s stuck living in military barracks. He’s forced to shave his condescending commanding officer everyday. His wages are pitiful. His girlfriend might be having an affair. And now he is hearing voices. Maybe he is starting to crack? Or maybe it’s just because his doctor is trialling a pea-only diet on him? It’s far from ideal but his doctor’s poking and prodding comes with the reward of some extra money. It’s the chance for a better life if Woyzeck can just hold on that little bit longer.

Roxana Silbert, Artistic Director at Birmingham Repertory Theatre, said: “Woyzeck is a powerful story that has been sharply brought up-to-date in Leo Butler’s new version. It’s about the impact of war on communities, the pressure on a young person who’s trying to make ends meet and ultimately about how love can be devastatingly destroyed.

“I wanted to find a play that would put a large community company front and centre of our programme. Theatre brings people together and I’m thoroughly enjoying working with 100 people who live and work in Birmingham; their energy and enthusiasm is inspiring and transformative.”

Following on from her recent global success with the Commonwealth Games handover ceremony, choreographer and Associate Director Rosie Kay, adeded: “Woyzeck still feels shocking over 180 years after it was written. It’s got a prophetic nature to it and what’s really exciting is it feels like it reflects the society we live in.

“Creating this production with a large group of community performers who are engaged and committed to dancing and working together feels very human and touching. We want them to live and breathe this production and I think its going to be something that will affect people’s lives.”

Lucie Mirkova, Birmingham International Dance Festival Artistic Director, commented: “It is fantastic that we are working with Roxana Silbert at Birmingham Repertory Theatre and Rosie Kay to present Woyzeck as part of Birmingham International Dance Festival. With a community cast of performers and dancers from across the West Midlands alongside amazing professional talent Woyzeck demonstrates how dance is something for all people to get involved with, which is very much at the heart of our Festival.”

Woyzeck’s community company are made up of performers from across the West Midlands, many of whom will never have performed on stage before. Cast members come from all walks of life and are aged from teenagers to their seventies. Appearing alongside the community cast as Woyzeck and Maria are professional actors, Thomas Pickles and Jalleh Alizadeh.

Woyzeck is part of REP Furnace, a three year programme to create ambitious new works both on stage and in local communities. Last year’s Stadium united football fans from the city’s three football clubs on the main stage at The REP, and the previous year saw thousands of volunteer performers across the UK take part in the modern day memorial, We’re Here Because we’re Here, produced in association with the National Theatre to commemorate the centenary of the Battle of the Somme.