Six Degrees of Separation

SYNOPSIS

Six Degrees Of Separation

Ever wondered how closely linked you are to some of the most well known people on the planet? According to some, you only need to take six steps to link yourself to anyone on the planet. This theory, which is often the subject of film-related games, has been put to the test constantly and is the subject of the upcoming production at the Old Vic – a revival of the John Guare classic “Six Degrees Of Separation”. It will be arriving at the venue in 2010 as part of the new season at the venue and will be helmed by the acclaimed director David Grindley, who has had much in the way of success directing productions on Broadway and in the West End.

In the 1980s a con man in the form of David Hampton fooled many people in the Upper East Side of Manhattan by telling them he was the son of the screen icon Sidney Poitier. This real life story is dramatised in the John Guare play when the young con man manages to charm his way into the household of the Kittredges. This wealthy couple are art dealers who believe him when he tells him that he is the son of the Hollywood star, but they also accept the story that he is a college friend of their own children. But there is a lot of mystery surrounding this man and time will tell how long they will fall for his plan.

“Six Degrees Of Separation” is celebrated as a classic that manages to bring hilarious fun to the stage. The wit displayed in the script managed to land it an Olivier Award for Best New Play in 1993 after being housed at the Royal Court Theatre the previous year. It originally premiered in 1990 at the Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater, Lincoln Center before transferring to a Broadway stage in the form of the Vivian Beaumont Theater (sic). Many remember the story for the 1993 Fred Schepisi-directed movie of the same name, which retained the actress Stockard Channing from its New York run and also starred Donald Sutherland, Will Smith and Sir Ian McKellen.

“Six Degrees Of Separation” is at the Old Vic from Tuesday 19th January 2010 to Saturday 3rd April 2010.