A Brave New World awaits LIPA MA Acting Company
Wednesday 27 March 2019
The satirical fantasy of a dystopian world driven by consumerism and technology has been adapted by Pants on Fire’s founder and artistic director Peter Bramley. Originally published in 1932, Peter says it’s as relevant as ever. “Huxley’s novel is incredibly prescient. He predicts so many things that have already become true.
“He wrote it at a time of scarcity and austerity but imagined a time when humans would exist only to consume. It questions man’s relationship to art and freedom.”
Peter, who is also directing the production, says putting on a stage version of Brave New World is a challenge. “It’s a book about ideas, and plays are usually about characters.
“In the book the story jumps from character to character without one central character to focus on, so changes have had to be made, while keeping the essence of Huxley’s work.”
Student Isabeau Popp plays the role of The World Controller and says the play has made her question how she sees the world. “The idea of conscious control and conditioning that we might experience from what we see in the media and how we can be distracted from what’s important by wanting to have the best, newest, most up-to-date version of everything really interests me.
“To have it pointed out so clearly on stage makes you reflect back on your own society.”
Brave New World is being rehearsed and performed at the Liverpool Playhouse Studio as part of the course’s link with Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse. Isabeau is relishing the chance to work in a professional venue. “It creates a professional atmosphere. You’re not simulating anything.
“You are in a professional working environment with a professional director as a company who are creating a piece of work for an audience made up of the general public.”
This is the first year that LIPA has run this course. It aims to develop and reinvigorate actors while they create work for touring. Peter Bramley thinks it’s the right approach. “If you want to be in the kind of theatre you love and play the kind of roles you want, then always, always make your own work. Courses like this are more and more relevant for today’s actors.”
Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World is performed at the Liverpool Playhouse Studio at 7.45pm on April 11 and 12 and at 2.30pm and 7.45pm on April 13. Tickets are £9.50 (£5.00 concessions).
Details and tickets here.
“He wrote it at a time of scarcity and austerity but imagined a time when humans would exist only to consume. It questions man’s relationship to art and freedom.”
Peter, who is also directing the production, says putting on a stage version of Brave New World is a challenge. “It’s a book about ideas, and plays are usually about characters.
“In the book the story jumps from character to character without one central character to focus on, so changes have had to be made, while keeping the essence of Huxley’s work.”
Student Isabeau Popp plays the role of The World Controller and says the play has made her question how she sees the world. “The idea of conscious control and conditioning that we might experience from what we see in the media and how we can be distracted from what’s important by wanting to have the best, newest, most up-to-date version of everything really interests me.
“To have it pointed out so clearly on stage makes you reflect back on your own society.”
Brave New World is being rehearsed and performed at the Liverpool Playhouse Studio as part of the course’s link with Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse. Isabeau is relishing the chance to work in a professional venue. “It creates a professional atmosphere. You’re not simulating anything.
“You are in a professional working environment with a professional director as a company who are creating a piece of work for an audience made up of the general public.”
This is the first year that LIPA has run this course. It aims to develop and reinvigorate actors while they create work for touring. Peter Bramley thinks it’s the right approach. “If you want to be in the kind of theatre you love and play the kind of roles you want, then always, always make your own work. Courses like this are more and more relevant for today’s actors.”
Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World is performed at the Liverpool Playhouse Studio at 7.45pm on April 11 and 12 and at 2.30pm and 7.45pm on April 13. Tickets are £9.50 (£5.00 concessions).
Details and tickets here.
