Gulliver Travels to Curve in Spark Festival

Based on the classic book by Jonathan Swift World premiere of a new stage adaptation for schools and family audiences aged 9+

As part of Leicester’s Spark Children’s Arts Festival, a new adaptation of the much-loved tale of GULLIVER’S TRAVELS will premiere at Curve.

By Peter Rumney    Directed by Adel Al-Salloum  Designed by Nettie Scriven
Thursday 24 May – Saturday 2 June
Press Performance: Saturday 26 May, 2.30pm

The production is the culmination of more than a year’s research and development work with local young people. Dragon Breath and Curve bring Swift’s tale to life for modern audiences with their celebrated epic, visual performance style, in award-winning playwright Peter Rumney’s adaptation.

SWIFT’S STORY FOR MODERN AUDIENCES

Appealing to both children’s’ and adults’ humour and sensibilities, this satirical, topical version of Swift books explores parent child relationships from the perspective of young people, and asks – as does Gulliver by the end of his journey – “what is it to be a human being?

THE SHOW

It’s 1699. Lemuel Gulliver sets sail from England for lands unknown. Shipwrecked, he finds himself to be a powerful giant in one land, a tiny plaything in another. Then, abandoned by his crew, he discovers a flying island, and a strange world where men are beasts ruled by beautiful, civilised horses. Meanwhile, Gulliver’s daughter Molly waits at home for his return, and to hear his extraordinary tale. But Gulliver’s adventures have changed him for ever…. Can Molly help him truly return to the world he left behind?

GULLIVER’S TRAVELS AS INSPIRATION FOR WORK WITH SCHOOLS

In Swift’s classic tale, Gulliver finds himself too large in Lilliput, too small in Brobdingnag – reflecting many young people’s experiences of school transition. In this innovative project, Dragon Breath Theatre have worked for a year with 8 to 10 year olds, exploring the effects of transition as they move from primary to secondary school. The professional artists have engaged young people in research into citizenship, stereotypes in society, race and gender, and worked alongside them to develop the themes, characters and imagery for the adaptation of Swift’s story.

Director Adel Al-Salloum said:“It is fantastic to be working on Peter Rumney’s new dramatic adaptation.  Gulliver’s journey is an epic tale of adventure, mystery and danger.  The piece enables young people to immerse themselves in the theatrics of storytelling, travelling to unknown lands which is both thrilling and provides a context for some of the thoughts and emotions young people experience at a time of transition.”

The play is written by award winning playwright Peter Rumney, designed by Nettie Scriven and directed by The Spark’s Festival Director Adel Al-Salloum.   Tickets and Information: 0116 242 3595 / www.curveonline.co.uk

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