Punchdrunk has announced a one-weekend-only return to the world of its acclaimed immersive production The Burnt City with the premiere of a new film, Persephone, screening at The Carriageworks in Woolwich this September.
Marking three years since The Burnt City closed, the company will reopen the original set and invite audiences back into the labyrinthine world of Troy and Mycenae through a cinematic retelling of the story.
Directed by Derrick Belcham and Punchdrunk founder Felix Barrett, Persephone follows the original narrative of The Burnt City through the eyes of Persephone. The film traces her journey between Troy and Mycenae, revealing the interconnected stories, memories and destinies that shaped Punchdrunk’s longest-running London production.
The first screening will take place on Friday 25 September at 7pm as a special red carpet world premiere event. Audience members will enjoy first access to the film alongside an exclusive post-screening conversation with the creative team behind The Burnt City.
Further screenings will take place on Saturday 26 September at 2.30pm and 7.30pm, and on Sunday 27 September at 7.30pm.
Lily Jo Ockwell stars as Persephone, with Sam Booth as Hades. The film is produced by Lauren Storr and Sophie Hewlett, with cinematography by Derrick Belcham and first assistant direction by Arlo Howard.
Originally directed by Felix Barrett and Maxine Doyle, The Burnt City became Punchdrunk’s longest-running London production and was staged at the company’s permanent Woolwich home, transporting audiences through a vast immersive adaptation inspired by Greek mythology.
Founded in 2000, Punchdrunk has become internationally renowned for transforming the immersive theatre landscape through productions including Sleep No More, The Drowned Man: A Hollywood Fable, Viola’s Room and The Burnt City.
The screening event will give audiences a rare opportunity to revisit the production’s extraordinary world and experience the story from a new perspective on screen.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.Â
