BOVTS to live-stream soundstage production of two Edward Allan Baker plays

Filmed in a converted soundstage provided by Bristol-based Urban Creation, the live-stream for these productions will be available on the Bristol Old Vic and the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School websites with the following schedule:

North of Providence: 7 August at 8pm

Dolores: 8 August at 8pm.

The two plays focus on sibling relationships. North of Providence journeys through a painful crisis between brother and sister, uncovering old family wounds on the last day of their father's life. In the play, Dolores, a woman escapes her dangerously abusive husband and seeks help from a sister who doesn't want to get involved.

Members of production and technical teams—all from BOVTS Production Arts, Christchurch Studios, and Stage Management courses—have been COVID-19 Safety at Work certified and Corona Virus Awareness on Production trained, and best practice for health and safety will be strongly enforced during production.

The productions are directed by MA Directing graduate, Victor Lirio, designed by MA Design graduate, Carly Brownbridge, and feature BOVTS acting graduates James Burman, Esmée Cook, Nancy Farino, and Chanel Waddock.

Originally part of the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School's Directors’ Cuts 2020 season, the production was cancelled due to the global lockdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Playwright Edward Allan Baker said, 'It’s been an absolute joy collaborating with the outstanding theatre artists of BOVTS who continue to impress me with their talent and daring commitment to (my) plays that dramatically expose the less refined aspects of the human condition, and I couldn’t be more pleased with my ongoing relationship with each and every BOVTS artist working so diligently on Dolores and North of Providence.'

Director Victor Lirio commented: 'This production was part of the Directors’ Cuts season originally scheduled at The Wardrobe Theatre in May as our final year directing and design collaboration project. We are grateful to BOVTS, and playwright Edward Allan Baker for allowing us to explore and present his compelling plays; to Urban Creation for providing us with a creative space; and to Mavis for the innovative technology for a filmed live performance. Because of this, we are able to amplify this theatre production to virtual audiences by using the internet, film, and live television broadcasting techniques. We will be able to reach a much wider audience than we would have reached in a traditional theatre space.'

For more information, visit www.oldvic.ac.uk or www.bristololdvic.org.uk