The Trial

By Steven Berkoff
Adapted from the novel by Franz Kafka
Presented by Blackeyed Theatre, in association with North Devon Theatres and South Hill Park

Director Ella Vale
Designer Victoria Spearing
Lighting Designer Charlotte McClelland

Suitable for age 14+

Joseph K, an estranged and rootless citizen, is the victim of anonymous governing forces beyond his control. Deceived by authoritarian power, he is relentlessly hunted down for a crime that remains nameless. Finding himself arrested and awaiting trial, K sinks deeper and deeper as he tries to escape through twists and turns that are at once shocking, thrilling and funny.

More than forty years after its first performance, Steven Berkoff’s brilliant adaptation of Franz Kafka’s masterpiece has become a classic work of twentieth century theatre and a widely studied syllabus piece. Kafka’s universal parable about the human condition is retold in Berkoff’s startlingly original, fresh and endlessly surprising play, which Blackeyed Theatre brings back to the stage in their inimitable way.

Kafka’s nightmare vision, Berkoff’s crackling script and Blackeyed Theatre’s trademark ensemble-style physical theatre combine to create an inspiring and unforgettable piece of drama, ideal for lovers of pure theatre and those studying the ‘Berkovian’ theatre style.

“Quite why Steven Berkoff’s version of Oedipus has not been performed since it was first published in 2000 is maybe that it was just waiting for Blackeyed Theatre to do it full justice. It has been worth the wait...” - The Stage

“One of the most innovative, audacious companies working in contemporary English theatre” - The Stage

“Magnificent...Extraordinary...As haunting as it is harrowing...Astonishing power... Any assumption that Oh! What a Lovely War is a period piece is shot to shrapnel. Forty years on, we need Littlewood’s vision more than ever. Blackeyed Theatre restore it to us with astonishing power. Catch it if you can” - The Stage

“Working tightly together, actors rise to the challenge of this hugely physical piece with admirable energy, finding situations of high comedy juxtaposed against bleaker and blacker moments” - The Stage http://www.thestage.co.uk/reviews/review.php/35051/the-trial

“A physically brilliant piece of theatre…intense and captivating, with the four chorus actors switching effortlessly between a range of different characters” - North Devon Gazette http://www.northdevongazette.co.uk/what-s-on/on_trial_at_the_queen_s_theatre_1_1188597

“A visual and aural feast” - Arts & Entertainment North Devon http://www.artsandentertainment.org.uk/theatre-review-blackeyed-theatre-the-trial-at-the-queens-theatre-barnstaple.html

Visit www.blackeyedtheatre.co.uk

  The Trial Workshop Information (84 KB)

Suitable for age 14+
Running time 2 hours approx

Details

Venue

Connaught Theatre, 7.30pm

Ticket Prices

Prices: £15, Concessions £1 off, School/youth groups of 10+ £9 a ticket

Dates

Friday 23rd and Saturday 24th March

Book Tickets

Online
Via phone or our ticket kiosks

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