‘A Love Letter to Brexit Britain, graced by the soul of Joel Goodman’s photographs…’
Simon Stephens’ new play, Rage, will premiere this month at The Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama
“Stunned and reeling by the brilliance and openness, clarity and intelligence of the students @RWCMD – day one of rehearsals for the UK Premiere of Rage. They grace my demonic play. It will be something special. Do come.” Simon Stephens on twitter
Simon discussing the model box for the play designed by Alice Sadler, with actor Garyn Williams
The play is based on a series of photographs by Joel Goodman, capturing the mayhem and excitement of New Year’s Eve 2015/16 in Manchester city centre. The celebratory mood turns into violence, racism, marriage proposals and the opening of portals.
Enter the madness, get whisked into the hedonism of youth and find yourself faced with the question: Where have the choices our government’s made left the youth of today?
“My association with the Royal Welsh College means a huge amount to me and I’m thrilled that the UK Premiere of Rage is happening here.
It means a profound amount to be a part of this creative process: Drama’s job is to distress and unsettle, and the rehearsal room is a centre for contradiction and investigation,” said Stephens when he came to the College to watch the rehearsals.
“But this play also brings with it an unsuppressable feeling of hope, which is the fundamental optimism of theatre.”
The play’s soundtrack is created by Welsh DJ High Contrast.
Simon has a close and long-standing relationship with the College. Last year the College produced Punk Rock and he told The Guardian that it was one of his favourite productions and it ‘released elements I’d never seen before.’
Stephens, who is also a Hodge International Chair of Drama at RWCMD, worked on Rage in development with RWCMD students and Vicky Featherstone, and will receive his Fellowship on this next visit. Rage had its European debut in Hamburg in 2016.
Rage is directed by Elle While, who directed Stephens Blindsided at the College to critical acclaim.
Wed 28th Nov – Sat 8th Dec, Bute Theatre, RWCMD, Cardiff
For press tickets contact helen.dunning@rwcmd.ac.uk
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“They Released Elements I’d Never Seen Before:” Simon Stephens’ Punk Rock
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