The Pericles company joined by NT artistic director Rufus Norris and the Pericles creative team. Picture: James Bellorini Photography
A new musical adaptation of Shakespeare’s Pericles at the National Theatre will be the launch production for Public Acts, a new nationwide initiative aimed at partnering theatre professionals with community performers.
Over 200 people of all ages from across London will join professional artists in the production which will play the NT’s largest stage, the Olivier Theatre from 26-28 August 2018.
The cast includes: Ashley Zhangazha, Audrey Brisson, Ayesha Dharker, Garry Robson, Kevin Harvey, Naana Agyei-Ampadu, performers recruited through the NT’s community partners; and seven cameo performance groups representing the cultural diversity of London (Ascension Eagles, Faithworks Gospel Choir, London Bulgarian Choir, Manifest Nation, The Archetype Dance Team, The Bhavan and The Youthsayers).
Writer Chris Bush was commissioned by the NT to adapt Shakespeare’s text for the production which will be directed by NT resident director Emily Lim. Music is by James Fortune, with design by Fly Davis, choreography by Roddy Graham, lighting design by Paule Constable, sound design by Paul Arditti and the music director is Tarek Merchant.
Commenting on the production, director Lim said: “Public Acts is founded on the belief that theatre can be a force for change, bringing communities together to experience the power of collective purpose and imagination.
“We are so excited to be celebrating our first year of community partnerships this summer with Pericles, our first Public Acts production, under the National Theatre’s artistic director Rufus Norris.”
The production is the centre-piece of Public Acts, a two-year project inspired by Public Works, the ground-breaking Public Theater’s programme which is now an integral part of New York theatre, and by the visionary work of theatres across the UK over the past decades.
Launched by the NT, the scheme which includes workshops, trips and exchange opportunities aims to build in-depth relationships with eight community organisations (Bromley by Bow Centre, Body & Soul, Coram, DABD, Havering Asian Social Welfare Association (HASWA), Open Age, Thames Reach and The Faith & Belief Forum) and the Queen’s Theatre, Hornchurch.
Angela Thomas
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