HEROES

by Gearald Sibleyras translated by Tom Stoppard

It is 1959. Three French soldiers, veterans of the First World War, live in a home for old soldiers deep in the French countryside. Henri has been there for twenty-five years and walks with some difficulty. Philippe has been there for just ten years and has a piece of shrapnel lodged in his skull which makes him prone to passing out with increasing regularity. Six months ago these two were joined by Gustav who, though physically fit, suffers from an acute form of Agoraphobia. Despite his fear of the outside world it is Gustav who proposes an escape from the institution. How will three such handicapped men make their escape? Will it be Indochina, a picnic in the local village or the poplars on the horizon?
Stoppard's witty use of language shines through in this translation of a successful French play. The great humour of the piece gained the Lawrence Olivier Award as the best comedy of 2003. Many would consider this a worthy sucessor to Yasmon Retza's 'Art'.

Touring from 9th July to 24th July 2010