Adapted and Directed by Vladimir Scherban

Belarus Free Theatre was set up in 2005 to produce uncensored work in response to the authoritarian rule of President Alexander Lukashenko, who has viciously suppressed freedom of expression as well as political opposition. In August 2007, a performance was stormed by state police and 50 people were arrested.

Fighting for democracy and free expression, this young, underground theatre troupe brings to Sydney their Australian premiere performance of Being Harold Pinter.

This is wild, anarchic theatre at its purest. Scenes from Pinter’s plays and extracts from his Nobel Prize speech transform into a harrowing account of real life in Europe’s last dictatorship. Funny and menacing, this is a powerful instance of life imitating art.

Performed in Russian with English surtitles.

Company/production special thanks and acknowledgements.

Being Harold Pinter is also playing at Belvoir St Theatre.

PHOTO: NIKOLAI KHALEZIN

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WHAT THE PRESS SAID

“Memorable images rear up unexpectedly.” The Sun-Herald – 11 January

“Refreshingly rough…powerful images enhance the experience.” The Sun-Herald – 11 January

"Brilliant glimpses into the abyss … more" - The Telegraph (UK)

"A rare opportunity to see political art truly in action.” - The Times

"An extraordinary event that not only illustrates Pinter's career-long denunciation of political terror, but proves that poor theatre can often deliver the richest dramatic experience ... more” - The Guardian

"Small wonder Mick Jagger, Tom Stoppard and Vaclav Havel are fans; this is world-class theatre, built on the guts of raw experience.” - The Telegraph, UK

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COMMENTS

Allison 13/01/09

This was incredibly powerful. Something that will stay with me for a long time. Definately worth seeing.

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