Fans of controversially-titled plays will be trembling with excitement as Simon Stephen’s Pornography comes to the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. Described as the most shocking play of the Edinburgh Fringe 2008, it portrays the harsh juxtaposition of events that took place during one week in July 2005: the excitement and optimism that surrounded the Live8 charity concerts and the announcement of the 2012 Olympic Games, soon replaced by confusion and despair at the events caused by four suicide bombers on 7/7. Director James Grieve notes that, “as its title suggests, Pornography does not flinch from confronting the most unpalatable facets of humanity, but nor does it simply condemn. Rather it explores and seeks to understand. It is an evocative, troubling and deeply humane play”.
For such an emotionally intense production, there can be no better venue than that of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. With a £22.5 million development due to open in spring 2011, the college looks set to continue its already considerable success. Pornography director James Grieve is certainly thrilled to be back in Cardiff: “I am enormously privileged to again have the chance to direct the work of such a searing and insightful chronicler of our times at one of the finest drama schools in Britain”.
An exciting production for South Wales, Pornography is the work of Simon Stephens, one of Britain’s most acclaimed playwrights. His previous work includes Sleep of the Just, One Minute, Motortown and On the Shores of the Wide World, which won an Olivier Award for Best New Play in 2005. For a chance to witness Stephens’ remarkable work in the Royal College’s newly renovated Bute Theatre, head on down and experience this introspective tale of modern day alienation and insecurity.
Pornography, 7.30pm, Wed 8-Fri 18 Dec, Bute Theatre, Castle Grounds, Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. Tickets: £10/£8 concessions. Info: 029 2039 1391