A play based on Charles Dickens’ account of his wanderings around east London is taking his words literally – before the show, audience members are encouraged to take an audio-tour around Hackney.
The production’s actors are from Arcola 50+, a community group for residents aged 50 or older, who want the piece to use modern immersive theatre techniques. Audiences are invited to download maps and audio tapes from the theatre’s website, and follow the directions to the performance.
“The Uncommercial Traveller” is a collaboration between the Arcola Theatre and Punchdrunk Enrichment, and the performance will take place in an empty shop in Pearson Street, as part of Hackney Council’s “Art in Empty Spaces” programme.
Director Owen Calvert-Lyons said: “We’ve had really great responses from audiences, and quite a lot of people chose to do the 45-minute tour first. The production itself is just 25 minutes long and lots of the audiences want to stay behind and talk afterwards because it generates so much discussion.”
The production will run every weekend until Sunday, July 17, and there will be 12 performances each day.
For more information, or to book tickets, visit www.arcolatheatre.com.
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