Thomas Hardy’s classic novel, Tess of the D’Urbervilles, is told through the language of dance and circus when Tess comes to Theatre Royal Winchester from Tuesday 11 March.
This retelling of Hardy’s work, which told of a country girl who is wronged and then faces judgement from her community, captures the same beauty and heartbreak, power, loss and heroism depicted in the novel and tells a story still relevant to today with themes of female relationships, sexual desire and consent, privilege and poverty.
This adaptation of the story features an ensemble of performers against a backdrop of projections, weaving together Hardy’s words with physical movement. Wielding wooden planks, climbing shifting walls and moving across ropes and swathes of linen that represent the vast landscapes and interior worlds of Hardy’s Wessex where the story is based, the cast showcase the incredible strength of the circus body.
This ground-breaking work is brought to the stage by the internationally renowned Ockham’s Razor – a contemporary circus company formed in 2004 combining physical and visual theatre – and Turtle Key Arts – a registered charity that produces original, inclusive art, made up of award-winning theatre and film producers.
The production has been described as ‘full of joy, wonder and delight’ (The Guardian) and ‘an inspired adaptation’ (The Stage). For more information, and to book tickets, visit: theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk or call 01962 840 440.
Tess will be at Theatre Royal Winchester on Tuesday 11 March and Wednesday 12 March at 7pm. Recommended age: 12+ (contains adult themes).
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