The Cock Tavern Theatre Presents A MODEL FOR MANKIND

Good Night Out presents the World Premiere of A MODEL FOR MANKIND, by James Sheldon runs 27th March - 17th April 2010. the show is directed by Blanche McIntyre, and designed by Lucy Read. 

A Russian journalist published a political bombshell at the peak of the Cold War in 1979 when he claimed he had transcribed Dmitri Shostakovich's memoirs. It shattered his image as "a loyal son of the Communist party" by describing his embittered hatred of Soviet power and his denial of Communism. Soviet authorities reacted by vehemently attacking its authenticity.
In A MODEL FOR MANKIND Shostakovich's confidant of 50 years is arrested and pressured to give evidence to reaffirm that the composer was a devoted Soviet supporter. He reveals Shostakovich as a man who lived for love, friendship and his art, who struggled to maintain a normal life under Stalin's rule. As the Communist regime intensified, his work was increasingly controlled by censorship and he faced agonising choices.

Based on the life and times of one of the greatest composers of the twentieth century; a new play that explores the conflict of personal morality against artistic ambition, friend against friend and memory against history.
Playwright James Sheldon is based in New York; this is his first full-length play. The c*ckTavern Theatre is proud to be premiering his work as part of their commitment to new writing and support of new talent.

"McIntyre's production conveys admirably Bulgakov's mix of satire and seriousness"

Michael Billington GUARDIAN (On Moliere)
Director Blanche McIntyre is the first recipient of the Leverhulme Directors' Bursary; in 2009 she was Director in Residence at the National Theatre Studio and the Finborough Theatre. Directing credits include: Moliere (Finborough); The Master And Margarita (Greenwich Playhouse); Three Hours After Marriage (Union Theatre); Wuthering Heights (National Tour); The Revenger's Tragedy (BAC); Birds (Southwark Playhouse); Doctor Faustus; The Devil Is An Ass; The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll And Mr Hyde As Told To An Inmate Of Broadmoor Asylum (all White Bear Theatre), and The Invention of Love and Cressida (both Edinburgh Festival).
"The great achievement of Blanche McIntyre's production is to recreate the chilling world of Stalin's Russia in which everyone fears the knock on the door" TIME OUT (on The Master and Margarita)
The c*ckTavern Theatre has firmly established itself at the forefront of the London Fringe by winning the prestigious Dan Crawford Pub Theatre Award at the Peter Brook Empty Space Awards. Formed in January 2009, under the artistic leadership of Adam Spreadbury-Maher the theatre runs a bold programme of new writing alongside select revivals.
"Evocative. Edgy. Irresistible... We can't wait to see what they do next" TIME OUT

Adam Spreadbury-Maher ("Best Artistic Director" - Fringe Report Awards 2010) formed theatre company Good Night Out Presents in August 2008, they are the resident theatre company at The c*ckTavern Theatre. Credits include the Time Out Critics' Choice productions of Studies For A Portrait (White Bear and transfer to the main stage at Oval House) and The York Realist (Riverside Studios).

"A tiny North London powerhouse" THE STAGE

Venue: The c*ckTavern Theatre, 125 Kilburn High Road, London, NW6 6JH

Dates: 27th March - 17th April

Performances: Saturdays - at 3pm, Sundays and Mondays - at 7.30pm

Box Office: 08444 771 000 / www.cocktaverntheatre.com

Tickets £12 (£10 concessions) LIMITED NUMBER OF £5 TICKETS AVAILABLE EVERY NIGHT

Transport: Kilburn Park (Bakerloo Line)

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