EDINBURGH 2017: BWW Q&A- Sleepwalkers
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Tell us a bit about Sleepwalkers.
How do we progress as a country, a nation, if we devaluate and dehumanise those whose opinions we do not share? In the end, we're all united by something intrinsically human; the urge to survive and retain our dignity as a person.
Sleepwalkers is partly set in a dystopian Britain - a country collapsing under the political and economic burden of a post-Brexit era. High inflation has spiralled millions of people into fear of losing everything. A popular new political party uses the fear and uncertainty among the British people to bring forward their xenophobic, nationalist agenda, introducing tax breaks and business loans for native Brits only. For Nathan, who is desperately trying to save his business and protect his employee and friend, orphan Jade, rallying behind a right-wing nationalist party is sounding more and more appealing.
The fact that their policies are aimed at making people such as his best friend Amy, who is Polish-born, second-class citizens, could be easily ignored. After all, Amy did reject him for an in-kind loan when he asked for one. And Nathan is just trying to do the right thing - right?
Is the current political climate prompting any rewrites?
While we are carefully monitoring the current political developments, the aim is to produce a piece of universality. The play was born out of a frustration we felt going to see theatre that was either preaching to its liberal-intellectual choir or alienating those whose minds it is trying to reach or change. 'Sleepwalkers' is inspired by the current Britain, but we ultimately would like this to be a timeless production.
Why is it important to tell this story?
In today's public discourse it's too easy to dismiss beliefs we do not immediately identify with. 'Sleepwalkers' wants to close that gap and start a meaningful conversation somewhere in the middle. It is quick and easy to be offended by someone who disagrees with our own notions of what is right or wrong. 'Sleepwalkers' finds its place in an uncomfortable grey zone where all sides come from a legitimate and genuine, human place.
Why bring it to Edinburgh?
We want to share it with as many different audiences as possible. Edinburgh brings together a myriad of opinions and its the very nature of the festival and our production to reach as many people from as many different walks of life as possible.
Who would you recommend comes to see Sleepwalkers?
It is easy to take comfort in the affirming ideologies of our social circles. 'Sleepwalkers' is dissecting populist politics for those daring to burst their bubble.
The characters of the play are all in their 20s and its initial target audience lies with those 18-35 but our hope would be to attract anyone open enough to have their opinions challenged and are open to looking at current events from more than just one angle.
Timings and ticket information for Sleepwalkers are available on the edfringe website.
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