One of the true masterpieces of modern cinema, Federico Fellini’s 1957 Oscar-winning film, La Strada (The Road), has been brought to life on stage in a brand new adaptation directed by Olivier Award nominee Sally Cookson with music composed by Benji Bower.
It arrives in Milton Keynes from Monday (Feb 20), and if you hurry you could be watching it for just 50 pence!
A soul-searching story filled with beauty, sadness, humour and acute observation, La Strada tells the tragic and tender tale of wide-eyed Gelsomina who is sold by her impoverished mother to the brutish strongman Zampano, a travelling sideshow performer. Their journey through the Italian countryside leads them to a ragtag touring circus where they meet Il Matto the free-spirited tightrope walker, who tries to rekindle Gelsomina’s broken spirit.
“Felini’s iconic film has always fascinated me and the thought of using it as a starting point to make a piece of theatre was one I couldn’t resist," admitted director Sally Cookson.
"A folk-tale like odyssey - this story sees three lost souls travelling ‘the road’ and searching in different ways to find meaning in their lives. Using physical story telling, music and movement, we will be attempting to find a theatricality to re imagine this story of human suffering, longing and redemption.”
Featuring live music and original songs, La Strada brings together a multi-skilled cast of performers and musicians.
“I have been trying to mount a stage production of La Stradafor many years," saidsaid multi Olivier award-winning producer Kenny Wax.
"When Sally told me it was her favourite film, the stars seemed to align more perfectly than I could have ever dreamed. And that is only half the back story."
Milton Keynes Theatre is making 50 tickets available for just 50p at every performance, as part of the theatre’s celebration of MK50.
In order to claim this offer, customers are advised to book before midnight on Sunday (February 19) using the promotional code MK50FREE, or MK50P.
Emma Sullivan, General Manager said: "Milton Keynes Theatre is proud to be a part of this vibrant city and we’re excited to be able to host this much anticipated new play.
"It is our hope that this opportunity will inspire wider audiences to come and experience new work at the start of its journey and enable us to host productions at a similar point in their development in the future."
To book your seat click here
