Award-winning poet Andrew McMillan has written his first stage play which is set to play The Brewery Arts Centre, Kendal, on Wednesday October 16th for one night only.
Dorian is a re-telling of Oscar Wilde’s classic The Picture of Dorian Gray and is presented by Proper Job Theatre Company; it is the third part of their Monster Trilogy which sees classic pieces of literature transformed for the stage by renowned poets.
The first, Nosferatu, was written by ‘the Bard of Barnsley’ Ian McMillan and was followed by Medusa re-imagined by award-winning poet Helen Mort.
“I have long been fascinated by the world of theatre so it’s an honour to be approached by Proper Job for this project – and to follow in the footsteps of two great poets,” says Andrew.
“Oscar Wilde’s masterpiece is the inspiration for Dorian, but my own personal experiences with eating disorders is reflected in the play.”
Exploring masculinity, body dysmorphia, class, and the gym culture the company use poetry, physical theatre, bold images and a stirring score to examine the subject.
A tired, middle-aged man sets out to change his life and get the body of his dreams; he hires a personal trainer and signs up to a six-month transformational programme, but things start to unravel. Dorian’s body starts to change, but he can’t recognise it so becomes more addicted to the gym and less able to see the results of his work.
“We are delighted to be working with the brilliant poet, Andrew McMillan on this production,” says producer Chloe Whitehead. “At Proper Job we strive to be bold and tell stories that are unusual; to comment on contemporary issues even if they have an ancient inspiration, and Andrew has created just that; we think Wilde would approve!”
Dorian by Proper Job Theatre Company is at The Brewery Arts Centre, Kendal
Wednesday October 16th at 8pm
Tickets are priced at £13.50 with concessions available
Book online at www.breweryarts.co.uk
