Sherman Theatre’s Associate Director David Mercatali directs Tremor by Welsh playwright Brad Birch. This new play focuses on two people affected by a terrible tragedy and their very different approaches to life afterwards.
Lisa Diveney (The Green Green Grass- BBC) and Paul Rattray (Jamestown, Game of Thrones) play Sophie & Tom, a couple torn apart in the aftermath of tragedy. Coming face to face four years on, the realisation hits that trauma can not only tear you apart, it can change you forever.
We spoke to David Mercatali to find out more.
You’re directing Tremor at Sherman Theatre Cardiff, what can you tell us about it?
Tremor is a timely, exciting play about a couple, and their differing reactions to an accident they were both involved in. They haven’t seen each other in 4 years, and in that time both have had a complicated and deep personal journey to get back to this reunion. It’s full of the conflicts that can divide us on how we deal with trauma, and those conflicts in it mirror many of those currently dividing society.
What is it about Brad Birch’s writing that excites you most as a director?
What excites me about Brad’s work is that it’s very true, very raw and full of passion. It’s also exceptionally structured: every word and beat is considered.
This is your first production as Associate director at the Sherman, how does that feel?
It is the best feeling to be making my debut in a theatre that has always meant a lot to me, and is now my home. And the studio is such a brilliant space to work in, you can transform it. It looks different every show.
What’s been your biggest challenge so far with this production?
The biggest challenge with the play is the detail, as I said every word and comma counts. It’s tiring but worth it.
What can you tell us about the cast of Tremor?
The cast of Tremor are Paul Rattray, an actor I’ve worked with before and wanted to again, and Lisa Diveney, an actor I’ve long admired. They’re both brilliant, and full of good surprises.
What makes Tremor ideal for your Sherman debut?
Tremor is my ideal debut at the Sherman because it’s a play about now, and needs to be told now. I Can’t wait for people to see it.
Tremors is at The Sherman Theatre 12th April – 5th May 2018.
