A new work in collaboration with Royal Central School of Speech & Drama.
‘In 2109 we realise two anniversaries: the half century since The Collapse and the half millennium since Pericles was first performed. The two perspectives and deliberately juxtaposed: The Collapse has caused us to question our relationship with our past, our fascination for power, our need for spirituality and new relationships between men and women. All of these themes play a part in Pericles and today we might see them again but with fresh eyes’. Paul Barker – composer
Pericles is performed by a cast of 20 in a 200 seat proscenium-arch theatre, the Embassy at Central, in May 2019 before touring to three cathedrals, beginning at Southwark in July 2019. Gower, the 14th century English writer, is played by a large puppet and – uniquely for Shakespeare – named as the chorus who introduces each of Shakespeare’s acts. Gower’s colourful tomb has for centuries been in Southwark Cathedral, which building was his home for many years as an Abbey. It sits opposite Shakespeare’s tomb, as it was also the church most close to his theatres, and the present day Globe. Gower’s words will be spoken by a member of the cast, against the choir who sings his original words as a texture, a colour that creates an other-worldly, spiritual aspect to the character, whenever he appears.
Pericles Team:
Composer and MD Paul Barker
Producer Kate Romano
Director Martin Berry
Puppet Advisor Cariad Astles
Designer Tina Bicat
Sound Designer Rob Godman
Spiritual Advisor Alban Coombs
Singing Coach Maria Huesca
Organist and Choral Director Julian Kelly
Such Stuff Productions