The Cradle Will Rock
The Cradle Will Rock
Theatre fans have until 18 December to enjoy a controversial musical at the Arcola Theatre.
Set in America’s Great Depression, Marc Blitzstein‘s The Cradle Will Rock tells the story of Larry Foreman and his attempts to unionise against a despotic and cruel businessman.
The play, based in the fictional Steeltown, USA, was originally directed and conceived by the legendary Orson Welles and produced by John Houseman.
The original play, inspired by and dedicated to Marxist playwright Bertolt Brecht, went down in theatrical history when it was first opened in New York in 1937. On the night of the planned opening, the company were locked out of the theatre by government troops who had issued an injunction. The cast and audience had to trek twenty blocks to another vacant theatre, where an impromptu performance without sets or costumes took place, with actors and musicians performing from the audience and Marc Blitzstein narrating at the piano.
The Arcola version features Aaron Shirley of Whistle Down the Wind fame in the role of tyrannical steel merchant Mr Mister and Chris Jenkins, whose previous credits include Romeo and Juliet at the Royal Opera House, as union creator Larry Foreman.
As reported previously in the Citizen, Arcola Theatre, created on a shoestring ten years ago by Mehmet Ergen, has been fundraising hard to raise the £250,000 needed for the move following its landlord’s decision to convert the current address into luxury flats.
The new premises, in the Colourworks building opposite Dalston Junction station, will serve to enhance the theatre’s green status, incorporating a series of energy-saving measures which reflect Arcola’s commitment to regeneration and sustainability.
The main theatre in the new Arcola will seat 200 and two new studios will be built – one to host flourishing theatre companies and another to house Arcola’s Youth and Community programme.
As well as contributions from audience members and members of the local community, internationally-renowned artists such as Angel of the North sculptor Antony Gormley and fashion designer Katharine Hamnett have given their support to the campaign.
All those donating money are recognised on Arcola’s website, and those giving over £50 can paint their name on a especially-dedicated wall in the new theatre’s foyer.
The Cradle Will Rock
Until 18 December
Arcola Theatre
27 Arcola Street
E8 2DJ
020 7503 1646 £16
£16 (£10 concessions)
Tuesdays – pay what you can
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