Mirita and Bread and Circus Freaks

Mirita by Chris Dunkley

Time Out Critics’ Choice
“This absorbing fictional account of the fate of one Kosovan village in 1999. When conflict erupts, it happens between characters we believe in, with motives we understand. Its fine, focused writing, which pushes the story forward with every exchange. Martin Harvey’s production keeps it strong and simple. There’s not much wasted in this glimpse of another world, not so far away. Wonderful.” Dominic Maxwell, Time Out
“Martin Harvey’s well-played production is staged with effective simplicity. An 80-minute drama that offers no simple moral choices but movingly conveys the corrosiveness of conflict.” Ian Johns, The Times

Bread and Circus Freaks by James MacDonald

“We are immediately drawn into the narrative. Married to a Russian and born with cerebral palsy, MacDonald knows what he’s talking about. The references to disability are frank and upfront. Always unsentimental, evocative and surprising.” Madeleine North, Time Out
“Squarely addresses the clash between old and new Russia… and brings contemporary Russia interestingly into view.” Times Literary Supplement

Director’s Note

These two plays owe their beginnings to the developmental processes at the University of Exeter Drama Department, where playwriting is an important strand of the work. Mirita has come through a newly established system which has seen it move from round table reading to full production. Bread and Circus Freaks is the latest in a number of collaborations between writer and director which have included readings, moved readings and full production. The company has been formed ad hoc in order to mount these productions in a forum outside the confines of Exeter because we believe they address important issues and deserve a wider audience.