Theatre shows explore planet pains and young people’s trials

Theatre-goers are invited to two shows performed by Acting students at the University of Northampton this week.

The undergraduates will be performing Global Warning and Trial over the course of three days, between Thursday 31 January and Saturday 2 February at the University’s St George’s Avenue site.

Global Warming is a playfully satirical and, at times, dark response to the tragedy of what is happening to our planet.

Director Frank Wurzinger said: “Despite the difficulty of this subject we wanted to create a positive, hopeful montage of the complex issues surrounding climate change.

“The more we researched and explored our feelings towards our planet, the bleaker we felt.

“Nevertheless, we attempted to stay optimistic and focus on the efforts being undertaken to fight climate change. It was a privilege for me to work with such a creative and playful group of actors. Their commitment and concern for the planet gives me hope for my children and their children’s future.”

Trial, meanwhile, is a performance inspired by Franz Kafka’s novel The Trial, devised by the ensemble.

Director, Roger Smart, said: “Joseph K, the central character, awakes one day to find her/himself accused of a crime, the nature of which s/he is never told.

“Trial follows K’s encounters with the labyrinth of The Law. Trial sees the events of Kafka’s novel through the eyes of young people and the trials they face today.

“Trial is a piece of immersive theatre inspired by a number of physical theatre and contemporary dance companies, such as Frantic Assembly, DV8 and, in particular, the internationally acclaimed physical theatre company Punchdrunk.

“Special thanks go to an invaluable member of our ensemble, Movement Consultant, Jo Meredith.”

Global Warming runs on:

Thursday 31 January, 1pm and 7.30pm

Saturday 2 February, 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £5.

Trial runs on:

Friday 1 February, 2.30pm, 7pm and 8.30pm

Saturday 2 February, 1pm and 2.30pm.

Tickets cost £5.