Photo Flash: First Look at World Premiere of GILGAMESH

Gilgamesh the world premiere of a new queer play told in verse by Piers Beckley, directed by Ray Shell, is the story of Gilgamesh and his best friend and lover Enkidu. How the two men fought the demon Humbaba and the Bull of Heaven. How they lived, loved, and died. It is about the most important of questions: What does it mean to live forever?

Gilgamesh will run at the White Bear Theatre in Kennington from Tuesday 10 October to Saturday 21 October.

The Epic of Gilgamesh is the world's oldest known story. Written down on clay tablets more than 4,000 years ago, it predates both the Mah?bh?rata and Odyssey.

The cast features Luke Trebilcock (as Gilgamesh), Nicola Blackman, Jaye Ella-Ruth, Sarah Lott, The Countess Alex Zapak, Margaret Tully, Birte Widmann, Jazmine Wilkinson, Toby Wynn-Davies.

Written and Produced by Piers Beckley, Staged and Directed by Ray Shell, Set Designer Ethan Cheek, Lighting Co-ordinator Jules Deering, Costumes Sophia Pardon, Fight Designer Kevin McCurdy, Design Consultant Libby Watson, Assistant Director Helen Elliott, Researcher Kaitlin Argeaux, Company Videographer Miguel Wago.

The king has killed all of the enemies of the city-state of Uruk. Having accomplished everything he ever wanted, he spends his time fighting in the streets of the city, and taking the virginity of each new bride before her wedding night. But the Gods, entreated by the citizens of Uruk, have plans for him. Before he can escape his own nature, he will fight the demon Humbaba and the Bull of Heaven; he will learn to love a man and be loved in return; and he will search the world until he discovers the secrets known only by the immortal who lives beyond the waters of death.

This is the oldest known work of fiction, a story more than 4,000 years old that is still relevant today. This is the story of he who looked upon the deep, surpassing all other kings. This is the story of Gilgamesh.

Cast: Luke Trebilcock (Gilgamesh), Nicola Blackman, Jaye Ella-Ruth, Sarah Lott, The Countess Alex Zapak, Margaret Tully, Birte Widmann, Jazmine Wilkinson, Toby Wynn-Davies.

Written and Produced by Piers Beckley, Staged and Directed by Ray Shell, Set Designer Ethan Cheek, Lighting Co-ordinator Jules Deering, Costumes
Sophia Pardon, Fight Designer Kevin McCurdy, Design Consultant Libby Watson, Assistant Director: Helen Elliott.

Nicola Blackman's work includes Destry Rides Again at the Donmar Warehouse (for which she was nominated for an Olivier Award for Best Supporting Actress), The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre, and Love on the Plastic at the Half Moon Theatre where she received a Time Out nomination for Best Actress.

Director Ray Shell (The Bodyguard, Starlight Express, Miss Saigon) and writer/producer Piers Beckley (Persona, The Just So Stories) previously worked together on acclaimed productions of A Christmas Carol and Oliver Twist at the Lion & Unicorn Theatre.

This world premiere is produced by Red Meeple.

www.whitebeartheatre.co.uk

Photo Credit: McVirn Etienne

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