According to DuRanté and Carl, they have returned to the original source of Anthony Burgess' book and, importantly, his last chapter of redemption and hope. In a press statement, Carl commented, "The last chapter of 'A Clockwork Orange,' which was omitted from the first American editions of the novel and does not appear in Stanley Kubrick’s 1971 film, was an important reason why we accepted the commission from Theatre Royal Stratford East. It’s exciting to work with the venue on this piece."
In the story, intelligent, irreverent Alex's ultra-violent lifestyle catches up with him and he is imprisoned and entered into a punishing government experiment called The Technique, aimed at ending all crime. Finding himself in an unexpected and life-altering personal horror show leads him to make a choice: redemption or downfall? The new adaptation is set in an imaginary place which connects the UK and USA and uses a unique style of language and music that transcend both locations.
Carl composed and musical-directed Tony Award-winning actress LaChanze at Lincoln Center. He co-led (with Robert Lee) the musical theatre writing workshop, which featured in Channel Four's "Rappin' at the Royal" and is artistic associate of the theatre. He is a graduate and now professor of the New York University/Tisch School of the Arts Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program.
DuRanté has written, produced and directed a short film called "America," which was a Wasserman Award Finalist. His first feature film "Jake Gets Paid" is in post-production. He is also a graduate of the NYU/Tisch School of the Arts Film Program.
A Clockwork Orange is directed by Dawn Reid, associate director of the Theatre Royal Stratford East, where she has directed Funny Black Women on the Edge and co-directed The Harder They Come (subsequently transferring to the Barbican, West End, Toronto and Miami) and Rikki Beadle Blair's Family Man. She was also associate director on Avenue Q (Noël Coward Theatre). The movement director is Jonzi D, who is an associate of Sadler's Wells. To book tickets, contact the box office on 020 8534 0310, or visit www.stratfordeast.com.
