Cardiff City Centre
Wed 23 May-Sun 3 June
Give It A Name, in association with Chapter Arts Centre, invites you to take a walking tour of Paris. “Highly trained guides, limited places, dates by appointment throughout May and June 1973. Come prepared for rain, high society and possible espionage. Dress accordingly. Sunglasses will be provided.”
Based on Harry Mathews’ autobiography of the same name, My Life In CIA is a stage-adaption with a difference. Beginning in Le Monde restaurant and culminating with an epic finale in the hidden recesses of St David’s Hall, the audience are taken on a promenade through Paris and Milan; two locations, which for convenience’s sake, are well served by Cardiff City Centre and the audience’s imagination.
Set in 1973 amidst a climate of cold war paranoia and espionage, we are introduced to Harry Mathews. The only American member of the infamous French literary society, OuLiPo, Mathews was widely perceived in Paris as being a CIA agent. Instead of distancing himself from the allegations he chose to encourage the deception, taking him on a journey full of unintended consequences.
Following the success of two widely acclaimed sell out shows – Heart Of Darkness and Rude – theatre company Give It A Name, in partnership with Chapter, once again succeed in serving up an immensely gripping and refreshing production. CHRIS GOSLING
Tickets: £12-£14. Info: 029 2030 4400 / www.giveitaname.net CHRISTOPHER GOSLING