Simple8
 | |
| Formation | 2004 |
|---|---|
| Type | Theatre group |
| Purpose | Ensemble theatre |
| Location | |
| Website | www |
Simple8is a London-based theatre company formed in 2004 by professional actors, writers and directors. They aim to produce innovative ensemble theatre that is ecologically sustainable.[1][2]
Productions and reception
[edit]In 2006, Simple8 staged an adaptation ofLes Enfants du Paradis.The Timesgave it five stars and said that it was "A superb production and a new (newish) company possessing the skills, intelligence and dedication to create such a wonder". It was adapted by company members Dudley Hinton andSebastian Armesto(Armesto also directed).[1][3]
In 2008, Simple8 presentedThe Living Unknown Soldierabout a soldier left an amnesiac at the end of the Great War. It was based on the book by historian Jean-Yves Le Naour.[4]
In 2011 the company adaptedWilliam Hogarth's engravingsThe Four Stages of Crueltyin collaboration with the playwrightAdam Brace.[5][6][7]
In 2013 Simple8 staged productions ofThe Cabinet of Dr. CaligariandMoby-Dick.[8][9][10]In a review ofThe Cabinet of Dr. CaligariforThe Evening Standard,critic Fiona Montford wrote that "What Simple8 are most decidedly not doing is slavishly recreating the work onstage but rather spinning an increasingly Kafka-esque yarn that has a low-fi yet chilled atmosphere...The eight-strong cast throw themselves into writer/director Sebastian Armesto and Dudley Hinton's surreally-tinged nightmare with gusto, doubling roles, playing instruments and at one cherishable moment forming themselves into the inner mechanisms of a large municipal clock."[11]
In 2016 the company adaptedDon't Sleep There Are SnakesbyDan Everettat thePark Theatrein London.[12][13]Their 2018 production ofE. M. Forster'snovelA Passage to Indiawas well received by critics.[14][15]
Sustainability
[edit]Produced by Strawberry Vale, Simple8'sThe Living Unknown Soldierwas the first show at theArcola Theatrein London to be powered by the venue'shydrogen fuel cell.[16]Peak power consumption for lighting was said to be 4.5 kW, or "up to 60 percent less than comparable lighting installations".[16]The set for their 2013 production ofMoby Dickwas built out of reclaimed materials.[17]
Awards
[edit]In 2013 Simple8 won theOff West End Theatre Ensemble Awardfor their productions ofMoby DickandThe Cabinet of Dr Caligari.[18]That same year the company also won thePeter Brook/Equity Ensemble Award.[19]
References
[edit]- ^ab"Les Enfants".The Times.2006.Archivedfrom the original on 26 April 2023.Retrieved26 April2023.
- ^"Act now: can theatre help with climate change?".The Guardian.19 May 2011.Archivedfrom the original on 19 April 2022.Retrieved27 April2023.
- ^Taylor, Paul (29 December 2006)."Les Enfants Du Paradis, Arcola Theatre, London".The Independent.Archivedfrom the original on 7 July 2022.Retrieved27 April2023.
- ^Giorgetti, Sandra (2008)."The Living Unknown Soldier".British Theatre Guide.Archivedfrom the original on 19 May 2022.Retrieved26 April2023.
- ^Loxton, Howard."The Four Stages of Cruelty".British Theatre Guide.Archivedfrom the original on 26 May 2022.Retrieved25 April2023.
- ^Costa, Maddy (2 June 2011)."The Four Stages of Cruelty – review".The Guardian.Archivedfrom the original on 27 July 2016.Retrieved26 April2023.
- ^"The Four Stages of Cruelty".Time Out.6 June 2011.Archivedfrom the original on 1 May 2023.Retrieved28 April2023.
- ^Pringle, Stewart (14 February 2013)."The Cabinet of Dr Caligari".Time Out.Archivedfrom the original on 20 April 2021.Retrieved26 April2023.
- ^Bowie Sell, Daisy (19 February 2013)."The Cabinet of Dr Caligari, Simple8, Arcola Theatre, review".Daily Telegraph.Archivedfrom the original on 26 April 2023.Retrieved26 April2023.
- ^Gardner, Lyn (9 April 2013)."Moby-Dick – review".The Guardian.Archivedfrom the original on 19 October 2014.Retrieved26 April2023.
- ^Montford, Fiona (20 February 2013)."Simple new slant on a masterpiece: THEATRE THE CABINET OF DR CALIGARI Arcola, E8".The Evening Standard.Archivedfrom the original on 1 May 2023.Retrieved30 April2023– viaProQuest.
- ^Coveney, Michael (24 March 2016)."Reviews Don't Sleep There Are Snakes (Park Theatre)".WhatsOnStage.Archivedfrom the original on 17 May 2022.Retrieved26 April2023.
- ^Loxton, Howard (2016)."Don't Sleep There Are Snakes".British Theatre Guide.Archivedfrom the original on 5 February 2023.Retrieved26 April2023.
- ^Mountford, Fiona (28 February 2018)."A Passage to India review: Skilled production of Forster's masterpiece".Evening Standard.Archivedfrom the original on 1 May 2023.Retrieved27 April2023.
- ^Marlowe, Sam (18 January 2018)."Theatre review: A Passage to India at the Royal Theatre, Northampton".The Times.Archivedfrom the original on 18 January 2018.Retrieved27 April2023.
- ^ab"Arcola Theatre Now Hydrogen Fuel Cell Powered".Stage Directions.April 2008.Archivedfrom the original on 1 May 2023.Retrieved30 April2023– viaProQuest.
- ^"A bold new adaptation of classic novel Moby-Dick..."Ilford Recorder.28 March 2013.Archivedfrom the original on 1 May 2023.Retrieved30 April2023– viaProQuest.
- ^"2013: Full Run: Ensemble – Moby Dick / The Cabinet of Dr Caligari".The Offies.2013.Archivedfrom the original on 12 August 2022.Retrieved27 April2023.
- ^Shenton, Mark (5 November 2013)."National Theatre's The Shed Wins 2013 Empty Space Peter Brook Award".Playbill.Archivedfrom the original on 15 May 2021.Retrieved27 April2023.
