Twelfth Night, Exeter Northcott, Tuesday 5th to Saturday 9th October
Following a critically acclaimed London run and an extensive list of international dates, Filter continue a UK tour of their production of Twelfth Night at Exeter Northcott.
Originally commissioned by Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) artistic director Michael Boyd as part of the RSC’s Complete Works Festival, Filter’s characteristically radical and riotous interpretation of this well worn classic reaffirms their reputation as one of the most consistently inventive and critically acclaimed theatre companies working today.
Here nothing is hidden, and no two shows are the same: decisions on the direction of the performance are taken on the hoof as the narrative unfolds, and each unique performance develops in a different way each night.
In this informal production the stage is covered in cables, technical equipment, synthesisers, microphones, amplifiers and supporting instruments that enable Filter to create the world of the play through sound.
Performed under house lights with actors in casual costumes, the experience is more akin to a rock concert than classic theatre, creating an exhilarating live chemistry between actor, audience and text.
Twelfth Night is directed by Sean Holmes, artistic director of the Lyric Hammersmith, London where Three Sisters, his most recent collaboration with the company opened to critical acclaim prior to a national tour.
Founded in 2001, Filter are actors Oliver Dimsdale, Ferdy Roberts and musician Tim Phillips, working with a trademark fusion of performance with integrated live music and sound.
Filter work with a collective of musicians, technicians, designers, writers and directors in a strong group dynamic aiming to create a devising language – an artistic short hand – that is truly creative.
“Filter’s lo-fi, ninety minute remix of Shakespeare’s comedy infects the audience with the play’s celebratory spirit of madness from the start…You leave feeling slightly changed yourself.” Metro
“…the most exciting Shakespeare reworking for years… Don’t miss.” Sunday Times
Running time: 90 minutes.