Next week sees The Sherman Theatre play host to an eclectic and exciting programme of entertainment ranging from contemporary theatre (The Island), new Welsh dance (Henri Oguike Dance Company) and modern poetry (Andrew Motion). Friday 19 May sees the arrival of Athol Fugard’s infamous political drama The Island. The play follows the lives of two prisoners, Winston and John, who have been imprisoned on the infamous Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was himself incarcerated for 22 years. As they prepare a performance of Sophocles’ Antigone for their fellow inmates John learns his appeal to overturn his conviction has been successful – whilst Winston is to be sentenced to life. The Island is a historically monumental play whose creation was difficult and dangerous – the actors had been imprisoned on unspecific charges of ‘plays subversive to the state’ and all involved had their passports removed. The play not only reminds us off the difficult times South Africa faced during apartheid but shows us the strength of the human spirit, even under extreme suffering. Tickets are priced £13.50 or £11 concessions and begins in Venue 1 at 7.30pm. On Tuesday 16, the critically acclaimed Henri Oguike Dance Company arrive in Venue 1 for their only South Wales date this season. Born in West Glamorgan, Oguike began his study of music and dance at Swansea College before going on to train at the London Contemporary Dance School. Most recently, Oguike was appointed Artistic Director of National Youth Dance Wales. Audiences and critics alike have always praised Oguike for his innovative and unique choreography and this tour proves to be no different with two distinctive new works - Expression Lines and How I Look. Tickets are only £13, £11.50 concessions or £7 for Schools and the performance begins at 7.30pm. Equally as thrilling but equally as diverse is the visit from the Poet Laureate, Andrew Motion on Wednesday 17 May at 7.30pm. The post of Poet Laureate is an ancient and uniquely British position - Andrew Motion is attempting to bring the role into the twenty-first century and to give it more public relevance by writing verse to mark events and causes of more personal public concern. The evening will be an opportunity to not only hear Andrew read his poetry but to ask him questions on his life and work to date. Tickets are priced at only £12 or £10 concessions and £6 for those under 16. Tickets are available by calling our Box Office on 029 2064 6900. Full information about shows, facilities, access and how to book can be found on The Sherman’s website www.shermantheatre.co.uk. |
| Sherman Theatre web site: www.shermantheatre.co.uk |
| Jenny Boyatt e-mail: mo2@shermantheatre.demon.co.uk |
Thursday, May 11, 2006 |
Older news
stories have been carefully archived.
2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999