Stage: Brighton’s New Venture Theatre is never shy of tackling classic theatre

Whilst mainstream and commercial theatres struggle within a strained economic climate to stay alive, by balancing a programme of very commercial productions against those that are perhaps less financially rewarding, we should take our hats off to the smaller companies who continue to stretch their boundaries with works that might not get that mass market response.

One such company is Brighton’s own NVT, an amazing venue and team who never seem to shy away from tackling both new material and classics. This autumn see the opening of their new production of Eugene O’Neill’s ‘Anna Christie’.

O’Neill’s play is about love and forgiveness, charting one woman’s longing to forget the dark secrets of her past and for her hope of salvation.

Anna Christie is about love & forgiveness, charting one woman’s longing to forget the dark secrets of her past

Written in 1921 this powerful drama resonates with O’Neill’s early seafaring experiences. He received his second Pulitzer Prize for this work, which has had a number of recent revivals at the Donmar and Triad Theatres. Anna was sent by her Swedish seafaring father to live with cousins in Minnesota where she was badly abused. She escapes and writes to her father telling him it’s time to help her.

They are reconciled, but whilst on her father’s barge they come across a shipwrecked sailor Matt Burke and she falls in love. Dare she tell them the truth and risk everything?

‘Anna Christie’ is directed by Jerry Lyne, who has won a number of awards for previous productions.

Friday 10th to Saturday 18th November 7:45 pm.
NVT, Bedford Place, BN1 2PT
Fri 10 to Sat 18th November
Bookings at newventure.org.uk