Salford hosts stage adaptation of The Ragged-Trousered Philanthropists
Article published: Wednesday, January 18th 2012
Howard Brenton’s stage adaptation of The Ragged-Trousered Philanthropists, Robert Tressell’s classic novel regarded as a seminal piece of working-class literature, comes to the stage this week at the University of Salford.
First published in 1914, the production of Tressell’s work provides a picture of social, political, economic and cultural life in Britain prior to the First World War and advocates a socialist society through scenes depicting social injustice and the failures of capitalism.
Howard Brenton’s adaptation premiered at the Liverpool Everyman in 2010 and returns to the stage as part of the Pandora’s Box Festival. Aspects Theatre Company, the group behind the production, is part of The School of Media, Music and Performance at the University of Salford, which gives a staggering 300 public performances each year at venues locally and across the country.
The company is using Brechtian techniques, including mask work and song, for this performance, which relates closely to the themes of the original novel. Brecht was a committed Marxist who explored the idea of theatre as a forum for political ideas. Rather than cause audiences to experience emotional connection or identification with characters, Brecht wanted his audiences to view works of theatre with a critical mind, open to recognising social injustice and be persuaded to leave the performance space and affect political change in the world outside.
By using unfamiliar or surreal elements – such as bare lighting, masks or speech directed at the audience, Brecht aimed to communicate the idea that the audience’s reality outside the theatre was equally constructed and therefore just as open to change.
These techniques relate interestingly to a novel which, at points, heavily criticises the working classes for being unable to perceive the possibility of change, and should make for an insightful piece of theatre.
Lucy Allan
The performances are at 7.30pm on Thursday 19th and Friday 20th January, with a matinee at 2.30pm on Friday at The University of Salford, Allerton Building, Frederick Road Campus, Salford, M6 6PU.
Tickets: £4 (£3 concessions). Tel 0161 295 6120 for ticket reservations.
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