Huge cast of locals in Birmingham version of Woyzeck

Published: 9 June 2018
Reporter: Steve Orme

Woyzeck in rehearsal

One hundred performers will breathe new life into Georg Büchner’s Woyzeck in a new version which is a collaboration between Birmingham REP and Birmingham International Dance Festival 2018.

Written nearly two centuries ago, Woyzeck has been described as one of the most influential plays ever written. In a new, large-scale theatre and dance staging, directors Roxana Silbert and Rosie Kay and writer Leo Butler aim to create what Büchner intended—the story of a struggle for a better life.

Set in the present day, Woyzeck is the story of a young soldier who can’t get a break. He’s stuck in military barracks. His wages are pitiful. His girlfriend might be having an affair. And he starts to hear voices.

Silbert, Birmingham REP’s artistic director, said, “Woyzeck is a powerful story that’s been sharply brought up to date. It’s about the impact of war on communities, the pressure on a young person who’s trying to make ends meet and ultimately about how love can be devastatingly destroyed.

“I wanted to find a play that would put a large community company front and centre of our programme. Theatre brings people together and I’m thoroughly enjoying working with 100 people who live and work in Birmingham; their energy and enthusiasm is inspiring and transformative.”

Choreographer and associate director Rosie Kay added, “Woyzeck still feels shocking more than 180 years after it was written. It’s got a prophetic nature to it and what’s really exciting is it feels like it reflects the society we live in.

“Creating this production with a large group of community performers who are engaged and committed to dancing and working together feels very human and touching. We want them to live and breathe this production and I think it’s going to be something that will affect people’s lives.”

The community company of Woyzeck is made up of performers from across the West Midlands, many of whom have never performed on stage before. Cast members are aged from their teens to their seventies.

Professional actors Thomas Pickles and Jalleh Alizadeh appear alongside the community cast in Woyzeck which is part of REP Furnace, a three-year programme to create new work both on stage and in local communities.

Woyzeck is designed by Neil Murray, with lighting by Lee Curran. Music is composed by Tom Rackham. It runs from Friday 15 until Saturday 23 June.

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