New Perspectives play gets Radio 3 slot

Published: 9 December 2020
Reporter: Steve Orme

Valentine Olukoga and Michael Ajao in The Fishermen Credit: Pamela Raith
Josie Lawrence will play the lead in The Boss of it All

A play adapted by Nottinghamshire company New Perspectives which had runs at the Edinburgh Fringe and in London’s West End is to be aired on BBC Radio 3 in February 2021.

The Fishermen is based on the Man Booker Prize-shortlisted novel by one of Africa's major new voices, Chigozie Obioma. Adapted by Gbolahan Obisesan and directed by New Perspectives artistic director Jack McNamara, it is the story of four brothers torn apart by a prophecy.

In a small Nigerian town, Ben and Obembe slip away to fish at a forbidden river along with their two older brothers. Risking the wrath of their father, they continue unnoticed and carefree until one day the prophecy of a madman changes the course of their lives.

Originally a two-hander, the BBC adaptation unites for the first time the three actors who have played the roles, David Alade, Michael Ajao and Valentine Olukoga.

Another example of New Perspectives’ work, the Lars von Trier office drama The Boss of it All, is now available to download from the Soho Theatre web site. It has been adapted into a working-from-home version, with Josie Lawrence playing the title character. The Boss of it All was originally presented at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2013 before transferring to the Soho Theatre.

New Perspectives has also announced another opportunity to experience Stay Safe, the company’s “spine-chilling” WhatsApp drama. Inspired by Shirley Jackson’s gothic horror story The Witch, it is being given a special showing on Monday 14 December to mark her birthday.

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