Fresh from its Edinburgh Fringe success, this re-imagining of Karel Čapek’s apocalyptic sci-fi satire transports audiences to the hull of a ship to explore migration, perceptions of otherness and nationalism.

It’s the not too distant future, post-Brexit. Global risk, technological revolution and new(t) capitalism are omnipresent. In the depths of the sea, an ocean of opportunity is arising. Following its Edinburgh Fringe run, Manchester audiences are invited to experience the sights, sounds and smells of the hull of a ship courtesy of a live surround sound installation by sonic artist Robert Bentall and imaginative set by Hannah Sibai.

Director Tyrrell Jones said: “War with the Newts uses surreal sci-fi narratives to imagine the most absurd and terrible conclusions of our current political climate. Karel Čapek wrote the original novel in 1936, just as Europe teetered on the verge of crisis. War with the Newts channeled his anxieties about vulnerable labour markets, perceptions of otherness and displacement anxieties fuelling right wing populism. He explored how apathy and inertia create a space for the world to stand by and do nothing. We have reimagined this pertinent narrative for an adventurous audience – and where better to push boundaries of both form and content than one of the UK’s most exciting venues for daring contemporary work?”

Knaïve Theatre devise bold, controversial, and political theatre which directly engages with and challenges audiences. Exploring provocative issues that others might shy away from, Knaïve Theatre encourage debate and discussion that will linger on in minds long after performances are over.

Their debut show Bin Laden: The One Man Show won seven international awards, has been performed 128 times and has toured to 22 venues across the world from Los Angeles to Denmark.

Knaïve Theatre are supported artists at the Royal Exchange Theatre (RET). They have collaborated with Impermanence Dance Theatre on an adaptation of Bertolt Brecht’s Baal, as well as developing Powerhouse with RET. They have also worked with the DARE Foundation and Dr Martin Zebracki of Leeds University on a piece exploring man’s relationship with technology through live art and contemporary classical music

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