Arcola Theatre today announces its Autumn 2019 season: seven shows that explore the power of truth and imagination in troubled times. There are two London premieres, one UK premiere, one European premiere and one world premiere. Every play in the season has been written or adapted by a female writer, and over half are directed by women. Arcola co-produces with trailblazing companies, from some of the youngest to one of the most established in the world.
Three true stories offer extraordinary insights. #WeAreArrested, Arcola’s first co-production with the Royal Shakespeare Company, exposes the risks to journalists in an age of fake news. Dael Orlandersmith’s Until The Flood takes a multifaceted look at race in America today, based on real-life interviews. Beryl, Maxine Peake’s freewheeling play about cyclist Beryl Burton, reveals the historic and inspirational struggles of women in sport.
Four more masterful plays attest to the power of the imagination. Anna Bella Eema, from Pulitzer Prize finalist Lisa D’Amour, is a wildly inventive blend of ghost story, fairytale and coming-of-age fantasy. Zinnie Harris’ Meet Me At Dawn remoulds the ancient legend of Orpheus and Eurydice into a 21st century story about a woman stranded with and without her girlfriend. Hunger, adapted from the radical novel by Norwegian writer Knut Hamsun, follows a young, creative mind on the margins. Finally, Winsome Pinnock’s One Under – reimagined for a new staging by Graeae – sparks a vital discussion about mental health and invisible disabilities.
Arcola’s Artistic Director Mehmet Ergen said: “Arcola is a theatre for the many: open to all, and giving voice to the struggles of all. This new season meets our troubled times with powerful and international visions of hope and change. I can’t wait to see them come to life on our stages.”
Today Arcola also announces relaxed performances for the Autumn season, and that patrons can now book seats that accommodate their specific access requirements online, independently of the Box Office.
Booking is now open for Arcola Supporters. Public booking opens on Wednesday 10 July at 10am. Full season details here.
