Report to an Academy at SCENA Theatre

An ape evolves to behave like a human and presents his story of survival and the vile details of his captivity to a scientific Academy in this wild tale by the existential master, Kafka.

Based on the classic short story by the master of existential and absurdist storytelling, Franz Kafka (author of The Metamorphosis). Acclaimed German theatre director Gabriele Jakobi has adapted the classic short story, Report to an Academy, into a powerful, provocative drama featuring actor/director Robert McNamara. 

The play centres on an intelligent ape named “Red Peter” who was captured in a West Africa hunting expedition and sent to Europe on a ship. To effect his survival, Peter learns to mimic and imitate the ship’s crew from his cage. By evolving to behave like a human, he devises an escape. Ultimately, Peter presents his fascinating tale of transformation—and the horrid details of his former ape life—to a scientific Academy. McNamara’s performance brings a shocking parable to life and compels patrons to ponder the issues of free will, animal rights, and vegetarianism. Report was first presented to sold-out houses in DC’s 2014 Capital Fringe Festival and was later staged in Europe at the Prague Fringe Festival and at the English Theatre Berlin.

“Stimulating and entertaining... McNamara's role is as demanding for him as it is rewarding for the audience.” - DC Metro Theatre Arts

“Persistent intensity...done very well. McNamara is wholly believable as the ape.” - TheatreWeekly.com

“Unexpectedly riveting, thanks to an utterly compelling performance by McNamara.” - TheReviewsHub.com

What: Report to an Academy

Featuring: Robert McNamara, Artistic Director of SCENA Theatre

Director: Acclaimed director Gabriele Jakobi of Berlin, Germany

Where: ZOO Southside, 117 Nicolson Street, EH8 9ER

When: Aug 4-13, 15-20, 22-27 | 20:10 BST | Duration: 55 minutes

Tickets: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/report-to-an-academy 

Call Fringe Box Office: +44 (0)131 226 0000

Price: £10.00

PR: Sophie Campbell, hello@sophiecampbellwriter.com 

Links: Website: http://scenatheatre.org/ 

Twitter: @SCENATHEATRE | #ScenaReport

Instagram: @scenatheatre | #ScenaReport

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SCENA.org | #ScenaReport

Accessibility: Wheelchair access, wheelchair accessible toilets

Category: Drama, absurdist