In a press statement, the theatre's artistic director Indhu Rubasingham commented, "My second season is a chance to celebrate new writing, different voices and new collaborations with other exciting theatre companies. Creating relationships with other companies with a shared vision is vital for not only the Tricycle, but for the whole theatre ecology. It's a season bringing together one of the most established writers, Frank McGuinness; one of the most exciting new voices, Alexi Kaye Campbell; and the debut of a new writer, Denton Chikura. Shared Experience and Tiata Fahodzi are hugely significant theatre companies and, having seen the impact of The Match Box by Frank McGuinness at the Liverpool Playhouse upon both audiences and critics, I am delighted to welcome it to London."
The Matchbox will begin performances May 2, prior to an official opening May 8, for a run through June 1. First produced at Liverpool Playhouse last June, Lia Williams' production will transfer to London, featuring Leanne Best, who was nominated for a TMA Award for Best Performance for her role as Sal. According to press materials, the play is a passionate story of love and hate, after a family tragedy has far-reaching consequences for everyone involved. It revolves around Sal as she looks back at the circumstances that have led her to leave England for the small island of Valentia on the coast of County Kerry. McGuinness has previously been represented at the Tricycle by his play Greta Garbo Came to Donegal. Other plays include Someone Who'll Watch Over Me (seen in the West End and on Broadway), The Factory Girls, Dolly West's Kitchen and Observe the Sons of Ulster Marching Towards the Somme. Williams is currently appearing in the West End in Old Times and has previously appeared at the National Theatre, in the West End and on Broadway in the original production of David Hare's Skylight.
The world premiere of Alexi Kaye Campbell's Bracken Moor will begin performances June 6 prior to an official opening June 14, for a run through July 20. Co-produced by the Tricycle and Shared Experience, it is directed by Polly Teale. Set in Yorkshire in the 1930s, it revolves around two families who come together after two years apart to rediscover their lost friendship. As they try to move forward they are plunged into a terrifying encounter with the past. Struggling to make sense of the extraordinary events that unfold before their eyes even the strongest of beliefs are shaken to the core. Campbell's preivous plays include the Olivier Award-winning The Pride (subsequently seen Off-Broadway) and The Faith Machine (both first produced at the Royal Court) and Apologia (Bush Theatre).
The Epic Adventures of Nhamo the Manyika and his Sexy Wife Chipo begins performances Aug. 1, prior to an official opening Aug. 5, for a run through Aug. 17. Presented by Tiata Fahodzi in association with Tricycle Theatre, it is the first production of the company's new artistic director Lucian Msamati. With just 24 hours to create the ultimate African fable, the superstar cast is missing a hero. Suddenly, a dashing goatherd appears on the horizon, Nhamo. Is he The One?
Priority booking for Tricycle members opens Feb. 19, with general booking Feb. 22. To book tickets, contact the box office on 020 7328 1000, or visit www.tricycle.co.uk for more details.
