Simon Schama's book on the slave trade adapted for the stage
As the American War of Independence reaches its climax, a plantation slave and a British Naval Officer embark on an epic journey in search of freedom. Divided by barriers of race but united in their ambitions for equality, their convictions will change attitudes towards slavery forever.
From the battlefields America to the barren West Coast of Africa, Rough Crossings is an astonishing story of prejudice, betrayal, courage and vision. In this Headlong Theatre world premiere, the award-winning playwright and novelist Caryl Phillips carves a dramatic narrative from Simon Schama’s secret history, exploring cultural arguments, which still rage today.
Headlong’s Artistic Director Rupert Goold will direct this account of friendship and heroism in a fast-paced production. This theatrical event marks the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the Slave Trade Act in the Commonwealth.
Simon Schama’s best selling history Rough Crossings was published in 2005 and was recently televised for the BBC. As a writer, his most recent work includes the trilogy A History of Britain (Vol 1: The Edge of the World, Vol 2: The British Wars & Vol 3: The Fate of the Empire). His television work as writer and presenter for the BBC includes Art of the Western World and his award-winning 15 part History of Britain. Simon holds the post of Professor of History and Arts at Columbia University.
Caryl Phillips is one of the major British writers of his generation. Born in St Kitts, Phillips spent his formative years growing up in Leeds and is now resident in New York. He has written for television, radio, theatre and cinema. His eight novels include Dancing in the Dark (2005) and A Distant Shore (2003) and winner of the 2004 Commonwealth Writers Prize). He is also author of three works of non-fiction and editor of two anthologies. His next book Foreigners will be published in September 2007.
Director Rupert Goold’s most recent credits include the acclaimed Macbeth with Patrick Stewart at Chichester Festival Theatre. For Headlong his work includes Faustus, Restoration and Paradise Lost. Other credits include The Tempest and Speaking like Magpies (RSC), Scaramouche Jones (International Tour) and Sunday Father (Hampstead Theatre).
The cast is Peter Bankole, Miranda Colchester, Peter De Jersey, Ian Drysdale, Dave Fishley, Andy Frame, Rob Hastie, Dawn Hope, Ed Hughes, Mark Jax, Jessica Lloyd, Michael Matus, Sally Peters, Patrick Robinson and Daniel Williams.
Ed Hughes plays John Clarkson. His theatre work includes Canterbury Tales at the RSC, Hamlet directed by Trevor Nunn at the Old Vic, Romeo and Juliet at ETT, The Little Foxes at the Donmar and Finding the Sun at the National Theatre. His television work includes David Copperfield and Queen of Swords.
Patrick Robinson plays Thomas Peters. Patrick has worked with the RSC in numerous productions including Much Ado About Nothing, King John, Richard III and Henry VI part I directed by Adrian Noble. Other stage credits include Festen directed by Rufus Norris (Almeida and West End) and Guantanamo Bay (Tricyle).
October 11, 2007
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