A Model for Mankind - The Cock Tavern Theatre
Preview by Lizzie Guilfoyle
JAMES Sheldon’s A Model for Mankind receives its world premiere at The Cock Tavern Theatre, where it runs from March 27 to April 17, 2010.
A Russian journalist published a political bombshell at the peak of the Cold War in 1979 when he claimed he had transcribed Dmitri Shostakovich’s memoirs. It shattered his image as “a loyal son of the Communist party” by describing his embittered hatred of Soviet power and his denial of Communism. Soviet authorities reacted by vehemently attacking its authenticity.
In A Model for Mankind, Shostakovich’s confidant of 50 years is arrested and pressured to give evidence to reaffirm that the composer was a devoted Soviet supporter. He reveals Shostakovich as a man who lived for love, friendship and his art, who struggled to maintain a normal life under Stalin’s rule. As the Communist regime intensified, his work was increasingly controlled by censorship and he faced agonising choices.
Based on the life and times of one of the greatest composers of the twentieth century, Sheldon’s first full-length play explores the conflict of personal morality against artistic ambition, friend against friend and memory against history.
A Model for Mankind is directed by Blanche McIntyre, the first recipient of the Leverhulme Directors’ Bursary. Her credits include Moliere (Finborough Theatre); The Master And Margarita (Greenwich Playhouse); Three Hours After Marriage (Union Theatre); Wuthering Heights (National Tour); The Revenger’s Tragedy (BAC); Birds (Southwark Playhouse); Doctor Faustus, The Devil Is An Ass and The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll And Mr Hyde As Told To An Inmate Of Broadmoor Asylum (White Bear Theatre); and The Invention of Love and Cressida (Edinburgh Festival).
A Model for Mankind is presented by Good Night Out Presents theatre company.
Tickets: £12, £10 concessions. A limited number of £5 tickets are available every night.
Times: Saturdays at 3pm, Sundays and Mondays at 7.30pm.
For more information call the box office on 08444 771 000 or visit www.cocktaverntheatre.com
Also at The Cock Tavern Theatre: La Boheme and Much