The Bush Theatre has announced two new productions to play as part of its 2014/2015 season, the transfer of the Arcola Theatre’s critically acclaimed Visitors and Islands, Caroline Horton’s topical new work delving into the murky world of tax havens.
Barney Norris’ moving drama Visitors will arrive at the Bush Theatre from 26 November and see acclaimed actors Linda Bassett and Robin Soans reprise their roles following its run at the Arcola Theatre earlier this year.
Described by the Evening Standard’s Henry Hitchings in his five star review as a “sensitive and wise piece about the pains of ageing and life’s transitory nature,” Norris’ Salisbury Plain-set drama looks at the cruel effects dementia can have on families.
Bassett, who recently starred in Roots at the Donmar Warehouse, stars as Edie, a woman whose mind is unravelling. In the role of her husband Arthur, Soans follows roles at the Bush Theatre in Sixty-Six Books, The Contingency Plan and Raising Fires, as well as his forthcoming Bush playwriting debut with this summer’s Perseverance Drive.
Bush Associate Artist Horton’s Islands will follow the drama from 15 January 2015. Written by and starring Horton, the powerful new piece will see the performer reunite with director Omar Elerian following their Olivier Award nominated production You’re Not Like Other Girls Chrissy.
Reacting to David Cameron’s claim that he has made “fighting the scourge of tax evasion and aggressive tax avoidance a priority”, Islands aims to illuminate audiences on the secretive world of tax havens, little empires, enormous greed and the few that have it all.
Developed in consultation with economic advisors, Islands brings to light the astonishing facts surrounding tax evasion, shedding on it not just a political and social light, but making it a matter of human rights.
Speaking about the new productions, the Bush Theatre’s Artistic Director Madani Younis said he hoped the programming would “continue to provoke debate around the parts we each play in our communities,” describing Bassett and Soans as “formidable talents” and Horton “an important voice whose new play heralds a political 2015 season here at the Bush.”
Also announced is a series of BushGreen Live events, including post-show debates and late-night events, which Younis explained were “designed to enable a range of people to engage more deeply with the Bush Theatre’s work.”