THE UNKNOWN ISLAND
Adapted from the short story by Jose Saramago
‘The Gate’s new artistic director, Ellen McDougall, begins her tenure by offering us the essentials of life, sharing bread, wine and storytelling with her audience in this version of Nobel prize-winning writer José Saramago’s short story.’ - The Guardian
‘McDougall’s direction does more than it lets on. In a sealed-shut turquoise room, four actors (two men and two women) dressed in scarlets and crimsons tell the story collectively. They slip in and out of characters in a way that shuffles their identities. Sometimes, for example, two women plead the king to relinquish his power. Sometimes the sailors suggest a same-sex relationship.’ - WhatsOnStage
Adaptation Ellen McDougall Clare Slater Original Translation Margaret Jull Costa Perfomers Jon Foster Hannah Ringham Thalissa Teixeira Zubin Varla Set and costume design Rosie Elnile Lighting Design Lizzie Powell Sound Design Josh Grigg Assistant Director Tyrell Williams Stage Manager Jenny Skivens
Production photography Cameron Slater
