If scars are sexy, Minsk must be the sexiest city in the world…
Responding experimental novelist, feminist and punk icon Kathy Acker’s 1981 eponymous text about American sexual identity, Minsk, 2011 reveals the scars of repression in Belarus where protests are brutally suppressed and underground nightclubs are routinely raided by special forces.
Minsk, 2011 is a love letter to a country that has lost its way.
Reviews:
‘It’s a rare occasion that the phrase “must see” can be applied with any justification. More accurately, you have a duty to see this show. It is necessary that you do. It is the very, very least you can do.’
★★★★★ Exuent Magainze
‘This is social commentary of the highest and most powerful degree…The Belarus Free Theatre have created a staggeringly powerful and humbling testament to the strength of human will.’
★★★★★ Off-Script
‘Hard-hitting, essential and furious, Belarus Free Theatre kept political theatre alive and kicking’
The Guardian
‘A must see for anyone who likes their theatre productions to pack a political punch.’
The Public Reviews
Credits:
Devised by Belarus Free Theatre
Director, Concept and Adaptation by Vladimir Shcherban
Performers, Devisers and Contributors:
Victoria Biran
Kiryl Kanstantsinau
Siarhei Kvachonak
Pavel Haradnitski
Yana Rusakevich
Yuliya Shauchuk
Aleh Sidorchyk
Dzianis Tarasenka
Maryna Yurevich
Original cast included: Nikita Volodko, Ryma Ushkevich and Aliaksey Naranovich.
Additional written contributions by Vladimir Shcherban, Nikita Volodko and Ryma Ushkevich.
Text "Belarus is not sexy" written by Natalia Kaliada in collaboration with Nicolai Khalezin
Original translation: Yuri Kaliada and Natalia Kaliada
English adaptation: Chris Thorpe
Assistant Directors: Svetlana Sugako and Nadia Brodskaya
Originally co-produced by Natalia Kaliada, Nicolai Khalezin and FUEL
Running time 1 hour 25 minutes
Performed in Russian and Belarusian with English surtitles
A Belarus Free Theatre and Fuel co-production
Originally presented at the Pleasance, Edinburgh on 22 August 2011
Developed in residence at the Dartington Space with the support of the Dartington Hall Trust
Funded by Arts Council England
Winner of a 2011 Scotsman Fringe First Award
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