by David Carter
Directed by Alison Comley
Designed by Ann Stiddard and Colin Williams
Lighting by Tim Bartlett
Sound by Richard Jeffrey-Gray
Presented by Chrysalis Theatre with Theatre West and Progress Cymru
Cast: John De Barham. Dee Sadler. Ryan Stuart. Simon Winkler.

The London Premiere of a new play by Finborough Theatre Playwright-in-Residence, David Carter

[ new british plays season 2006]

15 August – 2 September 2006

In 1998, David Carter entered a treatment centre for heroin and crack cocaine addiction after contracting the HIV virus. In 2003, he contracted AIDS and started taking retroviral medication. In 2004, he wrote his first play. In 2005, he wrote Viral Sutra.

VIRUS: Group of submicroscopic entities capable of replication only within the cells of a living organism.
SUTRA: A collection of sayings or stories.
VIRAL SUTRA: The story of an everyday HIV virus struggling for survival, wondering about God, the nature of self, the reason for existence, and the threat posed by readily available condoms.

In the strange, otherworldly landscape of Viral Sutra, the complex interaction between a disease and the human body is played out on stage. Set in the body of the playwright with the actors as components of a deadly virus, the play is the story of infection told from the virus’ point of view.

After an acclaimed run in Bristol last year, Viral Sutra plays at the Bristol Old Vic before its London premiere at the multi-award-winning Finborough Theatre where David Carter is currently a Playwright–in–Residence – as the opening production in a season of new British plays.

Playwright David Carter burst onto the new writing scene when his first three plays were all produced in Bristol in just over twelve months, establishing him as a strong and original new voice for the theatre. Out of Joint's Max Stafford Clark described David Carter's plays as "moving and powerful" when he workshopped Reception at the Soho Theatre where it was given a rehearsed reading in 2005.'

Director Alison Comley is Artistic Director of Bristol’s leading new writing company Theatre West, and also directs regularly at the Bristol Old Vic.

The Press on the Bristol Production
“Resounds with brutal truth…Excellent, thought – provoking stuff” - Metro
“Chillingly black comedy…packed with witty writing” – BBC
“Poignant…Edgy, wacky and brutally honest black comedy…visceral and intelligent…A brave, madcap romp through a mine-field.” –Venue Magazine
“Exceptional…sizzling with vigour and talent…charged with intensity” - Entwine Magazine

The Press on Viral Sutra
“One of the most astonishing autobiographical plays you could ever see...There have, of course, been numerous plays written about the HIV and AIDS crisis, but none from such a peculiar, and particular, viewpoint. "
Mark Shenton, The Stage

“Viral Sutra is a deeply personal play, but about a very public issue; a must see.”
Saskia Green, UK Theatre Network

“This speeding bullet of a play by young writer David Carter is one dynamically-charged hour”
Julia Hickman, Theatreworld Internet Magazine

“A truly original and interesting play…in a wonderfully intimate theatre.” Sarah Porter, Morning Star

“Carter’s uncluttered, unabashed observations on humanity, biology and fate are beautifully rendered, humming with the acuteness of their accuracy.” Lucy Powell , Time Out

“Macabre and matter-of-fact…Whiplash humour abounds and quickfire repartee” Julia Hickman, Theatreworld Internet Magazine

“Warm and energetic…alarmingly wonderful.” Sarah Porter, Morning Star

“Remarkably original" Sarah Porter, Morning Star

“Carter’s tone throughout is irreverently genial and his genuine curiosity ignites his writing”
Lucy Powell, Time Out

“It’s a bizarre play; it,s comic and it’s dark, but above all it’s deeply personal and revealing, and therein lies its power and impact” Saskia Green, UK Theatre Network

“Played with unerring and utterly disarming mischievousness by Dee Sadler” Lucy Powell , Time Out

“Expertly played by Ryan Stuart” Saskia Green, UK Theatre Network

“Delightfully played by John De Barham” Saskia Green, UK Theatre Network

“A dark humour that never relents in giving the audience a little kick as well as a tickle”
Saskia Green, UK Theatre Network

“Beneath the comedy lies a serious issue, which director Alison Comley skilfully balances and imaginatively stages.”
Saskia Green, UK Theatre Network"

"This zany, highly original and way-out-there play." Julia Hickman, Theatreworld Internet Magazine

 

Image: Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH