My Name Is Rachel Corrie at Alphabetti Theatre

My Name Is Rachel Corrie at Alphabetti Theatre

wet arts ltd & Alphabetti Theatre present the North-East Premiere of My Name Is Rachel Corrie

Directed by Ryan Hay & performed by Rebecca Glendenning-Laycock, with sound design by Shevek Imogen Fodor.

“I think it is a good idea for us all to drop everything and devote our lives to making this stop. I don’t think it’s an extremist thing to do anymore. I still really want to dance around to Pat Benatar and have boyfriends and make comics for my coworkers. But I also want this to stop”.

Alphabetti Theatre and wet arts ltd proudly present My Name Is Rachel Corrie. Rachel Corrie was an American activist who was killed in 2003 by an IDF bulldozer, at the age of 23. First performed in 2005 at the Royal Court Theatre Upstairs, the play – edited by Alan Rickman and Katharine Viner – draws on Rachel’s own diaries and emails to create a powerful testimony. My Name Is Rachel Corrie has garnered global attention for its raw portrayal of a young woman’s courage, idealism, and unflinching dedication to justice. Alphabetti Theatre and wet arts ltd are proud to bring this seminal work to North-East audiences for the first time. Driven by a shared belief that the theatre is a place where communities can come together to think and feel their way through the big questions of our day, we are mounting this production to hold space for our audience to have an urgent conversation about the ongoing crisis in Gaza.

Director Ryan Hay said: “I spent the best part of a year walking past an encampment of protesters at Newcastle University on a daily basis, as they campaigned to ensure their institutions divested from the IDF. They embodied the message of Rachel Corrie’s testimony, which stands to remind us that we are inextricably connected to our international siblings: that our choices, words, and actions have an impact on the lives of countless people we may never even meet. I look forward to having conversations with audiences at Alphabetti about how we reckon with that”.

Incoming Artistic Director at Alphabetti, Edward Cole, said:

Everyone at Alphabetti is honoured to host Ryan and Wet Arts at Alphabetti for their debut production and humbled at being able to platform this enduring and emotive production. Theatre is a place for discussions, ideas, and the sharing of stories. At a time when some theatres feel the need to censor their artists, Alphabetti is proud to provide a home for such crucial work.

Performing the role of Rachel Corrie is Rebecca Glendinning-Laycock, an incredible up-and-coming local actor whose portrayal will bring the audience into the heart and mind of the young activist. Known for her magnetic stage presence and stirring honesty, Rebecca is returning to Alphabetti following her appearances in Angela and Hope is a Four-Letter Word.

This North East premiere of My Name is Rachel Corrie is an opportunity for theatregoers to engage with theatre that challenges perceptions and invites difficult, necessary conversations about global justice, activism, and human empathy. Alphabetti Theatre’s commitment to innovative work and platforming vital voices ensures that this will be a highlight of the autumn theatre season.

About Alphabetti Theatre: Alphabetti Theatre is an independent, artist-led theatre in Newcastle upon Tyne, dedicated to creating, producing, and programming new and original work. Since its founding, Alphabetti has remained committed to promoting accessible and inclusive theatre, creating opportunities for underrepresented voices in the North East and beyond. Founder Ali Pritchard is set to leave Alphabetti at the end of October 2024, to be replaced by Edward Cole.

Key Information

Dates: Tues 8th – Sat 26th October 2024 (Press & VIP night: Thursday 10th October) Times: 19:30 (18:30 on Saturday 19th and Friday 25th) + 13:00 Saturday matinees Venue: Alphabetti Theatre, Newcastle

Ticketing:

· Pay What You Feel (8th – 12th October)

· £15 – £3 (15th – 26th October)

· Age recommendation: 14+

Accessibility:

· Captioned: Wed 16th October

· Touch Tour: 18:30 – 19:00, Wed 23rd October

· Audio Described: Wed 23rd October

· Relaxed performances: All Saturday matinees

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