To Be Straight with You - National Theatre, Lyttelton

SYNOPSIS

To Be Straight With You

The Lyttelton Theatre at the National Theatre is London's venue for Lloyd Newson's DV8 Physical Theatre production of To Be Straight With You from October 29, 2008 to November 15, 2008. Creatively startling 'in-your-face' theatre, To Be Straight With You pulls no punches as it explores attitudes and tolerances (or rather the lack of tolerance) towards same-sex relationships across the globe. Exquisitely executed, this whirlwind of an 80-minute production seeks to play on the fact that 85 nations around the world outlaw homosexual relationships, and that in 7 of those countries, the death penalty still exists for those 'convicted' of having such a relationship. Given the adult-related content of the production, theatre tickets for To Be Straight With You are suitable only for age 16+.

Verbatim theatre

Lloyd Newson's DV8 Physical Theatre are well-known for their innovative and groundbreaking production style. With their production of To be Straight With You they raise the bar yet again. The show is woven together by the use of voiceovers, documentary film and animated projections charting the opinions, experiences and beliefs of 85 people, all given through interview. Drawing upon stage theatricals and dance sequences, many of a surprising nature in themselves, the show opens a window upon multicultural Britain and the tensions that exist between sexual orientation and religious belief.

The verbatim theatre approach works well, and in essence adds to the shock-value of the content. But whilst the content may indeed push the envelope in terms of shedding light on what is often regarded as a traditionally taboo subject matter, it is not an attempt at agitprop. Rather, it portrays some social truths relevant to modern-day Britain. We may think of ourselves as a multicultural society that is increasingly tolerant of religious and sexual diversity, but as To Be Straight With You suggests, our tolerance may only be a thin veil, partially obscuring our more deep-seated beliefs and feelings.

To Be Straight With You is a powerful and emotionally charged piece of theatre. Highly political, gripping…angry even - it is likely to be one of the most memorable theatre shows that you are ever likely to see.

DV8 Physical Theatre company

The DV8 Physical Theatre company was formed in 1986, and is led by founding director Lloyd Newson, whose influence has seen DV8's productions challenge the traditional forms of classical and modern dance. Since its formation the group has produced fifteen major dance pieces, all highly acclaimed, and all of which have toured internationally. Also in DV8 Physical Theatre's repertoire are five award-winning creations for television - the latest 'The Cost of Living' won a Prix Italia and a Rose D'Or.

In Lloyd Newson DV8 have an immense talent to draw upon. Prior to the birth of DV8 Newson danced and choreographed for several major dance production companies. These included Modern Dance Ensemble, New Zealand Ballet Company, One Extra Dance Theatre and Extemporary Dance Theatre. His energy and direction make DV8 unique in the world of performing arts.