WHAT IS THIS CAMPAIGN FOR?
An approved stage adaptation of Burmese Days by George Orwell, running for one month in New York, this November, as part of the prolific Brits Off Broadway festival. It is a great opportunity for our fast-growing theatre company to realise this production, which has been in development for over two years. In order to make it happen we need your help to raise the funds needed to take a cast of six to New York. Flights and visa application fees will come to £3600.
THE PLAY
Presented with the backing of the Orwell Estate, this is the first adaptation of Burmese Days since the novel, Orwell's first, was published in 1934.
The last all-white club in the British Raj is required to elect a "native" member. To ensure election, the corrupt local magistrate U Po Kyin must eliminate his rival Dr Veraswami. The doctor’s only hope for salvation lies in his friendship with Flory, an English colonial. Flory is a drunk and a hypocrite, but with the arrival of Elizabeth, a young Englishwoman, there is hope for redemption. Personal and political struggles quickly take possession, threatening a terrible and violent resolution.
The story, inspired by Orwell's young days with the Burmese Military Police, is a masterpiece of moral clarity and an uncompromising reflection of the underbelly of an imperial society. Orwell's vision is as salient today as it was when it was published. Told with humour and humanity, the story leaves us transformed, asking "How can we make things better"?
THE COMPANY
aya are an emerging theatre company, creating productions with high cultural or political impact. Our recent production of Peter Handke's Kaspar (January 2011) was a rare chance to see one of Europe’s foremost writers and innovators performed in London.
"a talented young collective ... staged with skill and imagination" TimeOut (Critics Choice) ****
"A refreshingly abrasive blast of tough-minded theatre." The Times
YOUR SUPPORT
Because of the way this campaign works, if we do not reach our target, we are not funded. So, if the project appeals to you, do not worry if you cannot afford very much, the important thing is to pledge something - then you will have helped us to reach our goal.
Thank you,
Ryan Kiggell
Elisa Terren
George Moustakas
Artistic Directors of aya theatre company.
www.ayatheatre.com
