SUNSTROKE to Open 30 August at Platform Theatre

The creative team behind last year¹s acclaimed A Warsaw Melody at the Arcola Theatre return with a new play that brings together two short stories from Russian literature, and which stars Katia Elizarova in her professional stage debut.

At the opening night on 30 August guests will be treated to a feast of little plates inspired by the writings of Chekhov and Bunin, and created by Russian Revels - the designers of unique dining experiences that combine their love of chic Slavic dishes with site-specific theatrical creations.

Director Oleg Mirochnikov, artistic director of Belka Productions and one of UK¹s leading Russian acting and vocal coaches (credits include World War Z and X Men: First Class), teams up once again with movement director Liana Nyquist, long time Head of Movement at Drama Centre, London. Together, they have trained the current generation of British actors including Michael Fassbender, Colin Firth, Paul Bettany and Tom Hardy.

SUNSTROKE: A blisteringly hot Russian summer. A Muscovite banker meets a solitary married woman on the Russian Riviera and a dashing lieutenant on board a holiday steamer has a chance encounter with a beautiful young woman. In the intoxicating heat, passions burn high and their lives are changed forever. Two of the great masters of Russian literature, Anton Chekhov and Ivan Bunin, explore the bittersweet nature of love outside marriage, its romantic idealism and the painful realisation of irreversible loss.

This will be will be the first UK adaptation of Chekhov¹s short story, The Lady with the Dog, and Sunstroke by Ivan Bunin. The production will combine the two short stories into one play.

Chekhov and Bunin knew each other well, and the theme of love striking unsuspecting humans like a 'sunstroke' is something that both these stories share. Bunin's work is rarely seen in the UK, and it is Belka Productions' aim to continue to bring undiscovered Russian literary and theatrical gems
to the London stage.

Rosy Benjamin¹s credits include the West End show Backbeat. Oliver King's recent credits include A Warsaw Melody (Arcola) and Billy Budd (Southwark Playhouse). Stephen Pucci¹s recent credits include The Pilgrim¹s Progress (ENO) and dreamthinkspeak¹s Absent (ROH). Masumi Saito is a renowned movement artist, originally from Japan. She has performed as part of the Theo Adams Company, and has recently toured the UK with Eat Your Heart Out Collective. Katia Elizarova is a celebrated international model from Russia who lives in London. She has worked with the world¹s leading photographers and as a face of major brands including, Rimmel, Commes des Garçons, Chanel, Valentino, Versace, and Max Studio. This will be her professional stage debut.

The Platform Theatre is a brand new venue in the stunning Granary building, Kings Cross and SUNSTROKE is one of the first professional shows to occupy the theatre for a full-length London run. The building is home to Drama Centre, one of the UK's leading drama schools and which is part of Central St Martins, University of the Arts London.

Tickets: £10-£16
Box office: 020 8123 1604 / Online booking: www.belkaproductions.co.uk

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