Play Details
Context
Artistic Director
Robert Kidd & Nicholas Wright
Co-production with Joint Stock Theatre Company
Dates Performed
Monday 27th September 1976
Jerwood Theatre Upstairs
Play Details
Synopsis
England, mid-17th century (during and after the English Civil War)
The play focuses on various characters including soldiers, preachers, and common folk as they grapple with the radical ideas of the time. It explores the rise of the Levellers, a political movement advocating for extended suffrage, religious tolerance, and equality before the law. The narrative jumps between different scenes and historical events, including the Putney Debates and the suppression of the Diggers movement, showing the hopes, struggles, and ultimate disappointments of those seeking radical change in society.
The play’s themes revolve around political revolution, religious radicalism, and the clash between idealism and reality. Churchill’s style is characterised by its use of authentic period language, overlapping dialogue, and a fluid approach to time and space. The play’s form challenges traditional narrative structures, inviting the audience to piece together the broader historical context from fragmented scenes and monologues. This innovative approach mirrors the fractured and chaotic nature of the period it depicts.
Cast & Creative
Cast
Jane Chappell
Cast
Linda Goddard
Cast
Robert Hamiliton
Cast
Will Knightley
Cast
Colin McCormack
Cast
Nigel Terry
Designer