As part of major UK tour to mark the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade in the British Empire, Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse, Headlong Theatre Company, West Yorkshire Playhouse, Birmingham Rep and Lyric Hammersmith present a new stage adaptation of Simon Schama'sprovocative bestseller Rough Crossings.
Playwright and novelist Caryl Phillips has carved a rich dramatic narrative from the book tracing the journey from the battlefields of the American civil war to the barren West Coast of Africa. Headlong's Artistic Director Rupert Goold directs a fast-paced and theatrically-inventive production at the Liverpool Playhouse until Saturday 27 October 2007.
As the American War of Independence reaches its climax, a plantation slave and a British Naval Officer embark on an epic journey in search of freedom. Divided by barriers of race but united in their ambitions for equality, their convictions will change attitudes towards slavery forever.
Simon Schama's best selling history Rough Crossings was published in 2005 and was recently televised for the BBC. As a writer, his most recent work includes the trilogy A History of Britain (2006) The Power of Art (2000) and as a writer and presenter for the BBC his work includes Art of the Western World and the award-winning 15-part History of Britain. Simon holds the post of Professor of History and Arts at Columbia University, USA.
'A book of soaring merit: gripping, moving, illuminating and truthful' The Sunday Times on Simon Schama's 'Rough Crossings'
Caryl Phillips is one of the major British writers of his generation. Born in St Kitts, Phillips spent his formative years growing up in Leeds and is now resident in New York. He has written for television, radio, theatre and cinema. His eight novels include Dancing in the Dark (2005) and A Distant Shore (2003). He is also author of three works of non fiction and editor of two anthologies. His new book, Foreigners, is out now.
Director Rupert Goold's most recent credits include the acclaimed Macbeth with Patrick Stewart at Chichester Festival Theatre. He was last at the Liverpool Playhouse in 2002 when he directed Pete Postlethwaite in a UK tour of Scaramouche Jones. For Headlong his work includes Faustus, Restoration and Paradise Lost. Other credits include The Tempest and Speaking like Magpies (RSC), Scaramouche Jones (International Tour) and Sunday Father (Hampstead Theatre).
A strong ensemble cast of 16 actors including Patrick Robinson (RSC, Casualty) and Peter De Jersey (RSC, National).
Designer Laura Hopkins and lighting designer Paul Pyant have created a visual treat, with a remarkable tilting stage, and a sail-like screen at the rear. There is also live music weaving together African drumming, Gospel songs and 18th century English religious music, composed by Adam Cork and performed by actor- musicians, including prolific singer songwriter Ben Okafor (Child of Biafra). -- www.everymanplayhouse.com
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