March
2004
"The Thing" |
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| The
Thing |
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Just
launched in Birmingham is "The Thing" - an exciting theatre
company dedicated to bringing classic plays to new audiences through
vibrant and relevant productions. |
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The
Thing Productions Limited has been formed by Robert Ball who's got
10 years experience of acting and directing - as well as almost two
decades in the world of marketing - to establish what he hopes will
be more than just another theatre company.
| Robert
talks about 'The Thing' |
I've
spent a long time thinking about setting up and running my own theatre
company and the idea has evolved over a number of years. There were
two things, however, that really got me going on it.
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| Robert
Ball |
The first
was the idea that it could be more than a group of people who got
together, put on a play and then disbanded. I really want to involve
the audience through membership and a programme of associated events
such as guest speakers and workshops.
The second kick up the backside - and believe me I needed it - was
a conversation with a good friend that resulted in an idea for the
company's first production.
I am delighted to say, as a result of that conversation, The Thing
is working with Birmingham-based playwright Andrew Cowie on a new
production of Andrew's successful adaptation of Shakespeare's masterpiece
'Hamlet'.
'1 Man Hamlet' was first produced in 1990 - when Andrew took to the
stage in an hour long tour de force - the play was received with critical
acclaim wherever it played.
This is an ideal first production for The Thing. It really fits in
with the stated aim of the company: it has the potential for taking
classic drama and making from it contemporary theatre.
I hope that the one man - one hour format will appeal to audiences
that may not ever consider booking for the usual three or four hour
marathon.
I will be working closely with Andrew, who, I am delighted to say,
has agreed to direct his work this time round.
We're using The Crescent Theatre in Brindleyplace as our home for
this first production but hope to move throughout Birmingham and farther
afield over time.
'1 Man
Hamlet' opens at the Ron Barber Studio Theatre, The Crescent Theatre,
Brindleyplace on Tuesday 27 April, 2004.
Box office: 0121 643 5858.
More information about The Thing visit:
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