THE PLIGHT of refugees is highlighted on the Stratford stage next month in a fundraiser for Amnesty International.
Stratford Musical Theatre Company have teamed up with Amnesty to present their version of Stephen Sondheim’s musical Into the Woods at Stratford Arthouse from May 24 to 27.
The production fuses the darker Grimm origins of Cinderella, Rapunzel, Little Red Riding Hood and Jack and the Beanstalk, as a baker and his wife set off to lift a witch’s curse. The story which imagines life after the temporary ‘happily ever after’ is told by a group of refugees in a camp.
Director Richard Sandle-Keynes said: “Into the Woods is a story of people taking a journey into an unknown, hostile environment to protect themselves and their families. The themes of alienation, victimisation and sacrifice are incredibly relevant to the current refugee crisis and the nicknaming of the Calais camp as ‘The Jungle’ drew an even sharper parallel.”
Amnesty International’s Richard Glynn added: “It’s great to see local theatre taking on the challenging themes made all the more relevant by current events and the refugee crisis.
“We are delighted that SMTC have chosen to hold a gala performance of Into the Woods to raise funds for Amnesty International UK. We rely on the support of ordinary people to fund the work we do, including our recent campaign I Welcome, which focuses on the rights of refugees and migrants.”
School and college groups are also being offered the opportunity of a pre or post-show talk from the show’s director.
Details and tickets from £11 are available at www.stratfordartshouse.co.uk or by calling 01789 207100.
