Animal Farm, one of the most controversial and studied political commentaries, returns in a multi-award-winning, physical theatre production. Playing for two performances only, George Orwell’s simple yet intensely powerful fairytale illustrates with stunning clarity and grotesque beauty how greed and power corrupt and, with devastating consequences, can change the course of history.
This brand-new production of George Orwell’s simple yet intensely powerful allegorical fable has been adapted and created by Brisbane company, Shake & Stir Theatre Co, and is hitting Byron Bay next month.
Revolution has taken place at Manor Farm. The pigs have assumed control and under the principles of Animalism a better life free from human service is promised to all. Guided by a simple set of rules and an unrelenting respect for authority, it is not long until the rules that promised freedom become the chains that bind the animals once again.
Directed by Michael Futcher, Animal Farm promises to be one of the most shocking, relevant and wickedly funny theatre events of 2013.
Farm features an ensemble cast of five, playing more than 30 animal characters.
This production was named Best Play of 2011 by the Courier-Mail and collected three Matilda Awards (QLD Theatre Awards) including Best Independent Play, Best Direction and Best Design.
Co-artistic director of Shake & Stir and the adapter of Animal Farm, Nick Skubij, said of the production: ‘Examining this novel and finding its parallels with the modern day has been eye-opening to say the least, and we have enjoyed sinking our teeth into this work.
‘Audiences will be shocked as they witness the happenings on Animal Farm and will surely question the way they live, their ideals and their aspirations.’
This new adaptation of George Orwell’s Animal Farm combines physical theatre and storytelling, illustrating how greed and absolute power corrupt and, with devastating consequences, how it can change the course of history.
Animal Farm
by George Orwell
Presented by Ripe Productions
Created & adapted by Shake & Stir Theatre Co
Byron Theatre, Wednesday 13 February, 11am & 7.30pm.
Tickets: $14 children (U18) / $20 conc / $25 adult
Available online from Byron Bay Community Centre website http://byroncentre.com.au/component/redevent/details/280-animal-farm?xref=465.
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