SPAR DRAMA CENTRE

50 MINS

FRI 2015

SAT 1415

PG 16

R 75

For some time now, Darren King and Clare Mortimer have been mulling over the idea of creating a companion piece for their critically acclaimed  From My Point of View. Master of the Café Society and From My Point of View are adapted from Steven Befkoff’s book of hard-hitting, yet haunting, short stories Gross Intrusions.

In keeping with the style of the first piece, Master of the Café Society combines the edgy and evocative language we associate with Berkoff’s writing with innovative physical and visual staging, making for a seamless, surprising theatrical experience. King and Mortimer are enthusiastic about the challenges of the adaptation and the scope afforded to the creative team when “making a play” from a short story - something that has never been staged.

“What has been wonderful is unearthing Berkoff’s nether-world. In all of the short stories there is a feeling that all of these desperate people could be neighbours or even family, even though they are separated from each other by titles and page numbers. Clare and I have included the character from Point of View in this piece, as a sort of cameo, because in the writing she really could be that woman. And that’s what’s great about creating a piece from scratch – that kind of freedom” says King. “Yes, so while we play quite a few characters in this one, the story is essentially about “Harry”, an out of work actor (of sorts!) trying to assert himself in the space he takes up. He’s a very sad guy, but we laugh at him, his fruitless endeavours, his yearnings, the way he bolsters himself only to deflate – we all do it. It’s a small story with endless truths” adds Mortimer.

Master of the Café Society is directed by Peter Court whose extensive background in magic, clowning, mime and puppetry gives a fresh and energetic flavour to the brew.