Theatre Uncut 2014, Soho Theatre

Drama responds to contemporary politics
Theatre Uncut is now three years old, and it’s clear that the idea has taken root. Some of the UK’s most prominent playwrights, including Mark Ravenhill and Jack Thorne, have taken up the challenge of writing a short play that responds to the current political situation. The current rights-free performance period is in full swing, meaning you could expect to see one of this year’s plays on every street corner.
The power of knowledge
Having begun in response to cuts in government funding, the themes of the last few years have broadened in aspect, and this year the playwrights have chosen ‘Knowledge is power, knowledge is change’. The current focus on education is echoed in the Royal Court’s current season (which explores revolutions in both the classroom and within local government), and we can expect biting satire and thoughtful insight from five top writers. A second innovation this year means that the writers have collaborated; each of the five plays will interlink to form a full-length piece. This will be a welcome change to those who may have been frustrated by the fragmented nature of the event in the past. Critics were agreed that the 2013 Theatre Uncut residency at the Young Vic contained vivid and hilarious moments, but did not add up to a coherent argument. So it’s wonderful to see this unique movement evolving to find news ways of achieving the greatest political clout.
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We are particularly looking forward to Vivienne Franzmann’s contribution. Her award-winning ‘Mogadishu’ was based on her own experiences as a school teacher. And Inua Ellams, who started out as a performance poet and in 2010 ended up on the stage of the National Theatre. This will be a thrilling evening whether you have seen the work of these writers, agree with the political ideal behind Theatre Uncut, are interested in alternative perspectives on