A new adaptation has turned German dramatist Georg Büchner’s Woyzeck into an ensemble piece with a 19-strong cast which will be performed this week by Nottingham Playhouse Youth Theatre.
Robin Kingsland's version of this rarely staged work will have a modern, experimental, physical style.
Woyzeck is a poor, low-ranking soldier who's forced to sell his body for scientific research to support his family—but this ultimately leads him to commit a terrible crime.
Sarah Stephenson, director of the show and education officer at Nottingham Playhouse, describes how she approached the play.
"For the concept, I was most interested in the state of Woyzeck's mind at the moment when he commits the crime. Is he guilty or merely a tragic figure of the world he inhabits?
"My challenge as director has been to provide a true insight into Woyzeck's sanity. Through the creative imagination of some of the most gifted young people making theatre in our region today, I believe we've achieved it."
Woyzeck runs at Nottingham Playhouse from Thursday until Saturday.