Certain dark things.
Tour Company: Miren Alcala, Seiriol Davies, Javier Lavin, Rosamond Martin, Fran Moulds, Iñigo Ortega, Roger Ribo, Antonia Mellows, Penny Reynolds (Technician)
Devised by Original Company: Miren Alcala, Seiriol Davies, Kate Hewitt, Javier Lavin, Rosamond Martin, Fran Moulds, Inigo Ortega Martinez, Roger Ribo
Thanks to: Sofia Paschou, Heriberto Montalvan and Jot for being part of the initial creative process.
'I love you as certain dark things are to be loved, in secret, between
the shadow and the soul'' Sonnet XVII, Pablo Neruda
Certain Dark Things is a claustrophobic exploration of an illicit sexual relationship under Franco's religious dictatorship of the 1950s. The piece first premièred at the 2008 Hightide Festival with a company of Basque, Spanish and English actors and is staged in the round with live music. The effects of Franco's attempt to suppress the Basque culture are still felt today and in Certain Dark Things You Need Me tell the story of a young Basque boy and his sexual awakening under a brutally repressive regime.
Certain Dark Things was first commissioned by and developed at the Hightide Festival. You Need Me were selected from 50 companies under the recommendation of Tom Morris of the National Theatre to create a specially commissioned piece of physical, devised theatre for the festival in May 2008.
After a period of research and development in the Basque Country, Certain Dark Things was extended to a full length piece, with a second half set in Madrid during the 1970s. The expanded piece focuses on the uneasy transition to democracy and the unhealed wounds that remain long after oppression.
After previewing at the Tobacco Factory in Bristol, Certain Dark Things had a complete sell out run at the Edinburgh Festival, with every ticket sold, and You Need Me were nominated for a second consecutive Total Theatre Award.
Certain Dark Things will be touring the UK in May/June 2010, supported by Newbury Corn Exchange. Click here for dates.
Reviews of Certain Dark Things:
'Emotionally charged, almost flawless theatre. Certain Dark Things is the height of storytelling excellence.'***** Fringe Review
'Compelling, gripping, mesmerising. A true masterpiece.'***** Three Weeks
'Hypnotic...Devised theatre at its most successful, intelligent and involving.'**** MusicOMH
'Something entirely unique... a company with the enormous talent and subtlety of execution to stand out in a sea of mediocre devised theatre.'**** Fest
'Beautifully crafted work, creating visual images from the simplest props.'**** British Theatre Guide
'Strong, dynamic, and viciously claustrophobic...fantastic pace and energy.'The Stage