Theatre
Frontline Fringe: The Big Lie, by Shaniaz Hama Ali + Q&A
The Big Lie makes us question our own morality. In Shaniaz’s shoes, would we take on the case?
Power, Politics and Performance in Russia: Collective Memory and the Cult of Stalin
By Elliot Goat “It took me years to make sense of my own history, and Russian society will take a similar time.”– Vladimir Ashurkov, Russian opposition politician In collaboration with Theatre Royal Plymouth and the Sputnik Theatre, on Thursday 14 January the Frontline Club presented a staged reading of Grandchildren: The Second Act by Alexandra Polivanova […]
Power, Politics & Performance in Russia: “Doctor” + Q&A
The Frontline Club and Theatre Royal Plymouth in association with Sputnik Theatre present four nights of new Russian drama. Featuring exciting and topical plays by British theatre directors and cast – each evening will touch upon various aspects of life in Russia covering an array of issues, from the clampdown on theatre and freedom of speech to growing social tensions and immigration.
The play Doctor is one of the longest running productions of Teatr.doc, the famous studio theatre in Moscow which was supported by Tom Stoppard amongst other prominent British voices when facing closure in 2014. The staged reading will be followed by a discussion with artistic director of Teatr.doc, Elena Gremina, in conversation with senior international correspondent for The Guardian, Luke Harding.
Power, Politics & Performance in Russia: “Zhanna” + Drinks
Zhanna is a self-made business woman who has made it to the top for all the wrong reasons. She is living happily and in love until she is jilted, which sets her on the course for revenge. This play is not only about love but also the ruthless business practices borne of 1990s opportunistic Russia and its gangster capitalism. Following the staged reading, the members’ clubroom will open its doors to all attendees in celebration of theatre week.
Power, Politics & Performance in Russia: “Grandchildren. The Second Act” + Panel Discussion
How do the grandchildren of prominent Stalinists feel when they find out who their beloved grandparents really were? Interviewed by the playwrights over the last couple of years, the protagonists’ grandparents were from Stalin’s inner circle – or members of the Soviet Communist Party or NKVD – and their testimonies bear witness to the very human desire to forgive those we love, even when we know their worst crimes. The staged reading with be followed by a panel discussion.
Power, Politics and Performance in Russia: “The War Hasn’t Yet Started” + Q&A
The War Hasn’t Yet Started is a poignant play that depicts the dehumanising effects of living in a society on the brink of all-out war. The staged reading will be followed by a Q&A with artistic director of Sputnik theatre, Noah Birksted-Breen, and the artistic director of Theatre Royal Plymouth, Simon Stokes in conversation with Lucy Ash, an award winning presenter of foreign affairs documentaries at the BBC.
Theatre of War
Theatre of War is an innovative project that presents readings of ancient Greek plays to members of the armed services, veterans, and their families to help them initiate conversations about the visible and invisible wounds of war. We are delighted to welcome the project to the Frontline Club for a special performance for journalists who cover conflict.
With a dramatic reading of Sophocles’ Ajax by actors Jason Isaacs, Lesley Sharp and Aidan Kelly. Followed by a panel discussion with journalists Matthew Green, Emma Beals and Safa Al Ahmad. Chaired by writer, director, translator and Theatre of War founder, Bryan Doerries.
Theatre Night: War Correspondents + discussion
For this special event, Helen Chadwick Song Theatre will perform extracts from War Correspondents. The show was inspired by recent interviews with journalists who have worked on the front line, covering conflicts from Bosnia and Iraq to Chechnya and Liberia. This will be followed by a discussion and Q&A with members of the creative team, veteran journalist Martin Bell and photojournalist Kate Holt. Moderated by The Guardian correspondent, Christopher Stephen.
Summer Screening: Dangerous Acts Starring the Unstable Elements of Belarus + Skype Q&A
Belarus is governed by Europe’s last dictator, Alexander Lukashenko. In the run-up to the 2010 presidential election and for a year afterwards, filmmaker Madeleine Sackler followed the trials and tribulations of Belarus Free Theatre, an underground theatre company based in Minsk and led by Natalia and Nikolai. This screening will be followed by a Q&A with director Madeleine Sackler via Skype.
Bang Bang Bang: a special preview reading at the Frontline Club
A seasoned human rights defenders and her idealistic young colleague embark on a trip to the Democratic Republic of Congo. For Mathilde it’s an induction into a life less ordinary. For Sadhbh it’s back to madness and chaos away from her lover and London – exactly as she likes it.
A special preview reading of Bang Bang Bang, which is coming to the Royal Court Theatre in October.
