A Deed Without A Name, the most political play by interwar Polish playwright Stanisław Ignacy Witkiewicz, gets its overdue UK premiere at London’s Theatro Technis this week. Why stage it now? How have the international cast been getting on in rehearsals? Take a look at our behind-the-scenes gallery – and then get booking!
In an unknown country, in a bid to win absolute power, Bardon de Buffadero and Colonel Giers are reviving the faith of an ancient prophet, creating a new cult programmed to control the masses.
However, the revolution is going to punish its leaders and overthrow all order. On the day of the planned coup d’etat, a new unexpected leader pushes the upheaval to its most extreme consequences. The play is a political thriller as well as an absurdist comedy, full of humour and unexpected turns. The title A Deed Without A Name is taken from Macbeth, and like Shakespeare’s tragedy, it is about the inevitable collapse of tyranny.
A Deed Without a Name runs at London’s Theatro Technis 21 February-2 March 2020
A word from the director
Offie-nominated Giorgio Galassi directs an international cast of 12 in the production, presented by the recently founded Wayward Theatre Productions, a company dedicated to staging productions of European drama little-known to British audiences.
Why stage the play now?
“It’s a play about political turmoil, as in our times. The production in itself is a political statement: Brexit, as well as continual cuts in the arts, are putting European fringe theatre in danger. Fringe theatre should be experimental and have a separate identity from the West End. This play is about loss of individuality during times of upheaval. It’s driven by experimentalism and eccentricity – which is becoming very rare in our times.
Why should audiences book tickets?
“To have a wild time, be puzzled and amazed, entertained and shocked. To see the spirit of avant-garde and absurdist theatre resurrected. To reflect for weeks on end on what the play is about.”
What message should they take from the play?
“Be afraid of revolution and sudden social change. Don’t be afraid of defending your individuality, even at the cost of freedom.”
Rehearsal photos
The cast for A Deed Without A Name are Gary Cain, Sarah Warren, Peter Revel-Walsh, Reed Stokes, Jonathan Brandt, Dan de la Motte, Gerry Skeens, Panos Savvides, Aurelie Freoua, Mario B Bob, Giorgio Galassi, Julia Fresco and Dorota Krimmel.
