Details

In the cramped basement of a boarding-house, the thieves, whores, cynics and dreamers at the bottom of society struggle to survive in a Russia on the eve of revolution. Gorky's colourful characters are a grimly realistic circle of lost souls, stripped of possessions, hope and humanity. They survive with humour, violence, alcohol and fantasies of their past. However, when a new lodger arrives, offering hope of a better future - in this life or the next - the effect on the inhabitants is huge. Some reject and others embrace him, but all of their lives will be changed forever.

Cast/Performers

Jude Akuwudike (Medvyedev), Jacob Banser (Krivoy Zob), Ian Barritt (Kostyliov), Jim Bywater (Luka), Ruth Everett (Vassilissa Karpovna), Abhin Galeya (Kleesht), Katie Hart (Natasha), Mark Jax (Bubnov), Tricia Kelly (Kvashnia), Jack Klaff (Satin), Adrianna Pawlowska (Anna), Doug Rao (Vassily Pepel), Ved Sapru (Alyoshka), Simon Scardifield (The Actor), James Simmons (Baron), Nick Voyia (Tartar), Jade Williams (Nastya)

Creatives/Company

Author: Maxim Gorky
Producer: Arcola Theatre
Translation(s): Jeremy Brooks, Kitty Hunter-Blair
Director: Helena Kaut-Howson
Design: Iona McLeish
Lighting: Daqvid Howe
Sound: Neil McKeown
Stage Manager: Tasminb Withers
Other: Ian Taylor (production manager)