Bolton Octagon’s studio theatre is hosting a wide range of special events, one-off performances and visiting productions over the coming weeks.
“Investigate” days will explore the shows in the main house: Who Needs Writers? (12 September), an investigation in verbatim theatre with a panellists including Max Stafford-Clark, Robin Soans, David Thacker, Stephanie Street and Alecky Blythe.
Investigating Three of the Best 24:7 (19 September), analysings selected 24:7 plays with the writers, directors and casts; All My Sons (14 October), an investigation into Arthur Miller’s classic play; Christopher Bigsby on Arthur Miller (17 October), telling the compelling story of the life of one of the 20th Century’s greatest playwrights; Who Needs Translators? (14 November), David Thacker, Erik Skuggevik, actors from the Ghosts company, Brid Andrews of the University of Bolton and Professor Richard Wilson investigate the challenges and opportunities of translating classic and contemporary plays; and the season concludes with Who Needs Socialism? (19 December), which examines The Enemies Within by Ron Rose, a play about the 1984/5 Miners’ Strike.
Touring productions include Corin Redgrave in De Profundis (23-24 September) and Trumbo (6 November), and Oxfordshire Theatre Company’s Dancing in My Dreams by Neil Duffield (12-17 October).
In-house studio shows include the Octagon’s new Artistic Director David Thacker reviving his 1985 Young Vic production of The Enemies Within (14-19 December).
There will also be lunchtime poetry readings, workshops for writers, actors and directors, David Thacker in conversation with Sue Johnston, visiting children’s shows, and many other events.
Check the Octagaon website for further details.