University News Last updated 27 May 2011
This summer, Birmingham School of Acting (BSA), part of Birmingham City University, presents a season of four shows that focus on women – their interaction with the world, their struggles and the impact they have had, both creative and otherwise. The quartet of shows – three at The Old Rep and one at the Patrick Centre (Birmingham Hippodrome) – feature BSA’s postgraduate students, many whom have just showcased to agents and casting directors in London.
Opening the season at The Old Rep Theatre (26-28 May), is Polly Teale’s After Mrs Rochester, directed by Chris Garner. Its protagonist, Jean Rhys was obsessed with Jane Eyre and prequel to Brontë’s work, Wide Sargasso Sea, is hailed as one of the greatest works of the 20th century. Rhys’ work gives a voice to Mrs Rochester, Jane Eyre’s famous madwoman in the attic. Polly Teale’s play explores how Rhys’ work was shaped not only by her obsession, but also by her own battles with poverty, alcoholism and near-prostitution.
The Mill on the Floss is the story of an outspoken miller’s daughter, Maggie Tulliver. Feeling out of place in Victorian society and denied the education she craves so badly, family, tragedy and the inescapable nature of fate are all brought to the fore in this imaginative retelling of the classic story. The Mill on the Floss, written by Helen Edmundson, adapted from the original George Eliot novel of the same name, and directed by Gemma Fairlie, runs at the Patrick Centre (Birmingham Hippodrome) from 15-18 June.
Beginning with an intriguing concept – what would happen if a dead man’s cell phone rang...and you answered – BSA’s third play is the tale of Jean, compulsive creator of tales. Dead Man’s Cell Phone, an American play written by MacArthur ‘Genius’ Grant recipient, Sarah Ruhl, is directed by Ian Davie and runs at The Old Rep Theatre from 22-24 June.
Completing the season at The Old Rep Theatre (30 June-2 July) is April de Angelis’ play, Playhouse Creatures, ably-steered by highly-acclaimed director, Joss Bennathan. Exploring the momentous period in history when women were first allowed to act on the public stage, the play reveals the uproar this caused, the power and fame they gained and the impact they had on English drama as a whole.
Tickets for all shows cost £7, with a concessionary rate of £5 available to over-60s, unemployed people and individuals booking in a group of five or more.
Bookings and further information:
After Mrs Rochester 26-28 May
Dead Man’s Cell Phone 22-24 June
Playhouse Creatures 30 June-2 July
• The Old Rep Theatre
• Bookings via The Box (based at Central Library) on 0121 245 4455
• https://www.oldrep.co.uk/
The Mill on the Floss (15-18 June)
• The Patrick Centre (Birmingham Hippodrome)
• Bookings via the box office on 0844 338 500
• www.birminghamhippodrome.com