British Council Presents Unique Show to UAE Audiences as Award-Winning British Theatre Company Performs at DUCTAC

o Acclaimed theatre company 1927 set to perform for the very first time in the UAE
o ‘The Animals and Children Took to the Streets’ combines live music, physical theatre and animation
o Play is great example of UK’s global leadership in the arts and culture arena

Theatre lovers are in for a treat this February as British Council in the UAE and DUCTAC present a brilliantly inventive new show The Animals and the Children Took to the Streets, a Dubai performance British Council executives have said is a great example of the UK’s commitment to promoting its global leadership in artistic creativity.

An incredible mix of live music, physical theatre and film brought to life by 1927, the play is to be performed by an award-winning theatre company who have been described by The Times newspaper as ‘frighteningly gifted’.

The company will be performing for the very first time in Dubai at the Kilachand Studio theatre in DUCTAC, Mall of the Emirates from 23rd to 25th February 2012.

Michel Bechara, Head of Projects, British Council UAE, said: “British Council is committed to promoting the creativity and innovativeness of the UK, and this play by 1927 is another great example of the UK’s leading creative cultural scene.”

Seamlessly synchronizing live music, performance and storytelling with stunning films and animation, this entrancing show is sure to be a hit with fans of theatre, film, animation and live art, as well as those who simply want to be transported into another world straight from the pages of a graphic novel.

“We are delighted to work with DUCTAC again to plan, resource and deliver such a high-impact performance involving professional artists and organisations from the UK. While we aim to promote such new UK works, we want to establish long-term partnerships and attract wider audiences in the UAE. Therefore, and in addition to the performances, 1927 will deliver a series of workshops to university students and to emerging artists, sharing their knowledge and experience in mixing animation with live performance and music, and, more importantly, introducing this innovative synchronisation of various creative forms to storytelling; one of the most appreciated and respected art forms in the UAE,” added Bechara.

In this wickedly twisted tale, 1927 welcome audiences to the Bayou, a part of the city feared and loathed, wherein lies the infamous Bayou Mansions; a sprawling stinking tenement block, where curtain-twitchers and peeping-toms live side by side, and the wolf is always at the door. When Agnes Eaves and her daughter arrive there late one night, does it signal hope in this hopeless place, or has the real horror only just begun?

The Animals and Children Took to the Streets premiered at the Sydney Opera House in October 2010 following 12 months of research & development in Scotland, England and Australia and a 6 month making process in London. The show is 1927’s second production, following the enormous success of their debut show Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea which achieved critical acclaim and multiple sell out seasons, won six prestigious industry awards (Herald Angel, Fringe First, Arches Brick, Carol Tamber, Total Theatre and Peter Brook Empty Space/Equity Ensemble Awards) and was nominated for two New York Drama Desk awards.

Like a giant novel burst into life, 1927, The British Council in the UAE & DUCTAC invite you on a theatrical journey of startling originality.

The Animals and Children Took to the Streets is part of DUCTAC’s Season 11/12, a multidisciplinary arts festival featuring a host of high-calibre artists and performers from around the globe. SEASON 2011/12 includes visual art, music, dance, drama and film events providing the community with a rich cultural programme throughout the winter.

The Animals and Children Took to the Streets
Dates: Thursday 23rd – Saturday 25th February 2012
Venue: Kilachand Studio Theatre, DUCTAC, Mall of the Emirates
Price: AED 80
Times: Thu 23rd Feb: 7.30pm
Fri 24th Feb: 2.30pm & 7.30pm
Sat 25th Feb: 7.30pm
Contact: 04 341 4777 or box.office@ductac.org