BOLDtext Playwrights are ‘in the building’ at The REP again, after a pandemic-sized absence, to share some of our brand new scripts. We haven’t been slacking, we’ve been busy presenting site-specific shows such as Power of Invention at Soho House and Gem of a Place around the Jewellery Quarter, breathing life into the stories of proud Birmingham folk of the past.
But on 24th January 2024 8pm, we’re excited to be back in The Door with our latest topical short plays, Uncommon Wealth.
Full disclosure: we started working on this idea back in 2020 as Commonwealth Games planning commenced in our region, with the aim of celebrating our ‘common wealth’. However, it quickly (a) morphed into something much more challenging than a celebration, then (b) came to a screeching halt as theatres closed and none of us could go out to play anymore.
Finally, we have space to present the emerging microplays – which have morphed even further now (in some cases, beyond recognition!) after an unpredictable few years.
Our latest show, Uncommon Wealth, sees playwrights Liz John, Helen Kelly, Vanessa Oakes and Tim Stimpson explore those aspects of our national ‘wealth’ that could still be held in common – our beloved NHS, the eroding land masses beneath our feet, social care, effective governance? Expect our usual defiant, questioning attitude, to provoke ideas and expand all our thinking.
We look forward to getting our plays on their feet using a local director and actors in a staged reading at what has always felt like our home venue, The Door at Birmingham REP.
PS There’ll also be some actual ‘sharing of wealth’ with our Unwanted Christmas Present Swap – bring one along and hopefully leave with someone else’s which suits you better. See you in January! Liz John
BOLDtext Playwrights 