Elusive Spring - T0466172380Elusive Spring is a political thriller set in post-colonial southern Africa. It interweaves the stories of a local journalist who becomes dangerously enmeshed in political intrigue, an idealistic intern within the British Embassy and an artist using his skill as a puppeteer to undermine and challenge the status quo. As their lives become increasingly intertwined, the sense of impending threat and dark undercurrent of a rotten system starts to show through the veneer of civilisation. Elusive Springs is in an early stage of its development, and these readings are a remarkable opportunity for the audience to participate in the making of a new play through discussions with the writer and directors after the reading. | |
| 23 Oct 14 | mac birmingham - Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham :: V146 listing details L40492943 |
Brothers in Blood - T1675761373Sadly, in light of the rise of extreme right wing politics in the UK, both Brothers in Blood and Elusive Spring are exploring issues which are extremely relevant and will particularly resonate within Britain's minority ethnic communities. Brothers in Blood is contemporary Southern African writing at its best. Violence and prejudice based upon stereotypes, particularly racial and religious ones, are dangers that permeate many societies. In a world where the US has endured the horror of the death of Trayvon Martin, where in the UK we have mainstream politicians making hugely divisive statements about race and religion and where in many countries in Europe political tides are shifting away from unity towards a more isolationist style of policy, a play that explores the humanity behind the prejudice is immensely important. That this play is from post- Apartheid South Africa makes it even more interesting for audiences in the UK. | |
| 22 Oct 14 | mac birmingham - Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham :: V146 listing details L0233666345 |
Mike Van Graan writes vividly and fearlessly, evoking the racial and political tensions in today's South Africa, linking the personal with the political in plays that challenge and provoke.
