Justin Audibert Directs Chris Thorpe's New Version of BEOWULF

Justin Audibert directs Debbie Korley as the brave, bold and charismatic Beowulf in Chris Thorpe's searing new version of this epic masterpiece opening in October at the Unicorn Theatre.

Beowulf, all-conquering monster-slayer, rock star, hero, looks back over a life and sees what? Bravery? Violence? Victory? Is there only one way to be a leader? Or is another world possible...?

In a contemporary new staging, Thorpe shapes a language and form of volcanic intensity for today's audience. In Beowulf he draws a world of imagination and vitality somewhere between the ancient and the modern, and captures both the heroic and tragic in this visceral production.

With an immersive metal and electro infused live soundtrack performed on stage by Danny Saul, Beowulf enters the final leg of the World Tour as our warrior prepares to do battle one last time in Thorpe's new version of this seminal piece of English literature.

A triumph of good over evil, Beowulf is the longest surviving epic poem in Old English and is cited as one of the most important works of Anglo Saxon literature. It continues to intrigue modern audiences and has provided inspiration for countless films, plays, operas, graphic novels and computer games.

Chris Thorpe is one of the most exciting voices working in British theatre today and is recognised as a maverick creator of ground-breaking innovative new work. Previous work for the Unicorn includes Hannah, a reworking of Doctor Faustus. Other credits include Victory Condition which is due to open at the Royal Court this October, Am I Dead Yet? (Unlimited/UK tour), The Iphigenia Quartet: Chorus (Gate), The Milk of Human Kindness (Royal Court & LIFT), There Has Possibly Been An Incident (Edinburgh/Soho); I Wish I Was Lonely (Edinburgh/tour), Dead End (mala voadora), The Oh Fuck Moment (Edinburgh Fringe/Tour), Come To Where I'm From (Paines Plough) and Here I am (West Yorkshire Playhouse). He was a founder member of Unlimited Theatre and still works and tours with the company. He is also an Associate Artist with the Royal Exchange Manchester and Artistic Associate of live art/theatre company Third Angel.

Justin Audibert directs. His credits for the Unicorn include My Mother Medea. Other credits include: The Cardinal (Southwark Playhouse), The Jew of Malta for the RSC, How Not to Live in Suburbia (Pulse Festival, Summerhall), Flare Path (tour), Beached (Soho Theatre), Hamlet (Watermill) and Wingman (Soho). Justin co-wrote and presented the BBC Live Lessons on Shakespeare for the RSC. He is an Artistic Associate for NT Connections, a Creative Associate for the Shakespeare Schools Festival and an Education Associate Practitioner for the RSC.

Debbie Korley plays Beowulf. Her stage credits include: Prurience (Southbank Centre), The Residents (Albany), Cargo (Arcola), King Lear (Royal Exchange), Hamlet (RSC), Too Clever By Half (Told by An Idiot), Black Jesus (Finborough), Little Eagles (RSC), American Trade (RSC), A Matter of Life and Death (NT/Kneehigh) and Coram Boy (NT).

WESTON THEATRE
A Unicorn Production
BEOWULF
By Chris Thorpe
Directed by Justin Audibert
Original score and music direction by Danny Saul
Designed by Samal Blak with lighting by Richard Williamson and sound by David Glover
Sunday 1 October - Sunday 5 November 2017

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