THE CONTAINER To Play Inside A Container Parked In The Cut 7/15-30

The Container by Clare Bayley tells the story of immigrants trying to smuggle themselves into the UK inside a sealed container to start a new life. It takes place - actors and audience packed close together - inside a container lorry.

The Container was the hit of the 2007 Edinburgh Fringe, winning a Scotsman Fringe First and Amnesty's Freedom of Expression award. Working together with Amnesty, the Young Vic have made it possible for London to share the experience. This summer The Container will play inside a container parked in The Cut for three weeks. Each performance has space for an audience of just 28.

"Most of us are isolated from the immigrant experience," Bayley says. "We might read about these people in newspapers but we seldom hear their stories from their own mouths. Everything in The Container is based on actual events that really happened to someone."

Young Vic Artistic Director David Lan says "Theatre is always an expression of our common humanity. In life there are no bit parts, no walk ons. Everybody matters equally. I am delighted that, in association with Amnesty International and supported by a number of well-wishers, we can give new life to this powerful performance, this unique evocation of the experience of the thousands who risk everything to share the life opportunities we take for granted."

Amnesty International UK Director Kate Allen says "People who seek asylum here are so often demonised in the media or referred to as faceless statistics. This play brings those people to life and gives them a voice.

"The Container deservedly won Amnesty's Freedom of Expression Award for bringing these issues to a wide audience. We're delighted to be associated with these performances at the Young Vic."

Tickets £22.50 (Previews £15) Call 020 7922 2922 or visit www.youngvic.org for more information.

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