Ulster American Returns
Eleven dates for Traverse’s #EdFringe hit
The Traverse Theatre company production of Ulster American by David Ireland, a sell-out and critical hit of #EdFringe 2018, is to return for a strictly limited run in Spring 2019.
The controversial production – from the writer of the James Tait Black award-winning Cyprus Avenue – will play eleven shows in Traverse 1, between Wednesday 20 February and Saturday 2 March.
Robert Jack, Darrell D’Silva, Lucianne McEvoy in Ulster American. Pic: Sid Scott
Confrontational and brutally funny, Ulster American is a black comedy which explores abuses of power, the confusion of cultural identity and the silencing of the female voice in a manner that is definitely – and defiantly – not for the faint of heart.
These are the only dates planned for the play in Scotland in 2019, before it heads off on an international tour with the original cast of Lucianne McEvoy, Darrell D’Silva and Robert Jack reprising their roles under the guidance of original director Gareth Nicholls.
Set in the home of pushy theatre director Leigh (Robert Jack), the play follows events when Oscar-winning American film star Jay (Darrell D’Silva), arrives to take the lead in a new play by Northern Irish playwright Ruth (Lucianne McEvoy).
Jay wants to get in touch with his Irish roots, Leigh wants a hit and will bend which ever way to get it, while the outspoken Ruth has a play which speaks loudly for her community – if only people will understand what that community is.
blistering comedy
Speaking of the play, writer David Ireland said: “When I first wrote Ulster American I didn’t think anyone would produce it, let alone come and see it. I’m surprised and delighted that the response to it was so positive at the Traverse Festival 2018.”
Speaking of his thrill that so many people connected with Ireland’s “blistering comedy”, director Gareth Nicholls said: “It touches on themes such as identity and gender politics – themes that are absolutely at the forefront of peoples’ minds, both politically and socially, with no sign of abating.
“It will be fascinating to see if audiences around the world respond to the play (and its stellar cast) with the same energy and passion as they did during the summer. It’s an exciting prospect and one that I can’t wait to get working on again.”
Listing
Ulster American
Traverse Theatre, 10 Cambridge Street, EH1 2ED (phone bookings: 0131
Wednesday 20 February – Saturday 2 March 2019
Daily, not Sun, Mon: 7.30pm; Matinees Fri 22, Sat 2: 2pm.
Tickets are on sale now: Click here to buy online.
The script is available to buy from Amazon. Click image for details:
ENDS
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