The Prisoner
Co-written and co-directed by legendary theatre-maker Peter Brook, this new work is a compelling exploration of justice.
As resident company at the 2018 International Festival, the Théâtre des Bouffes du Nord brings three contrasting yet equally daring works to Edinburgh. Peter Brook is among the most influential figures in international theatre, and one of the most important artistic figures in the past century. With a spectacular career that began in the 1940s, he has created challenging, inspiring works across theatre, opera, cinema and writing, forging productions of daring insight and unstoppable curiosity.
Brook has made Paris his base since 1971, taking over the historic Théâtre des Bouffes du Nord in 1974 and transforming it into a world-renowned centre for pioneering theatrical exploration. It is there that Brook has staged some of his most celebrated productions.
Somewhere in the world, a man sits alone outside a prison. Who is he, and why is he there? Is it a choice, or a punishment?
Asking profound questions about justice, guilt and who gets to decide what they are, The Prisoner brings together a multinational cast of acclaimed actors from countries including Sri Lanka, Rwanda, India and the UK. This is a provocative exploration of some of the most compelling issues of our times.
The Prisoner is co-written and co-directed by Brook and long-time collaborator Marie-Hélène Estienne, drawing on work and research across several countries and continents. The Prisoner is part of the residency of the Théâtre des Bouffes du Nord at the 2018 International Festival.
★★★★ 'there is a delicious lightness at play, however profound the play’s contemplations' The Herald
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A tale that ... moves to the very depths of the soulLe Figaro
Peter Brook, Marie-Hélène Estienne Text and stage directors
Philippe Vialatte Lighting designer
David Violi Set elements
Cast Hiran Abeysekera, Hervé Goffings, Omar Silva, Kalieaswari Srinivasan, Donald Sumpter
Production C.I.C.T – Theatre des Bouffes du Nord
Co-produced by National Theatre London, The Grotowski Institute, Ruhrfestspiele Recklinghausen, Yale Repertory Theatre, Theatre For A New Audience - New York
More information about some of the artists:
Théâtre des Bouffes du Nord
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Peter Brook
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