'StiffÉundertaking undertaking' in Damascus
Syria-UK, Culture, 10/26/2001

The British comedy " Stiff.. undertaking undertaking " by the comedy troupe " Spymonkey" will be seen at the Damascus Higher Institute of Dramatic Arts 1-5 November, at 2000. It is organised by the British council in Damascus.

In a statement to Arabic News, art manager at the Damascus British council Mr. Fares Kallas said that Spymonkey Are easily one of the UK's finest physical comedy troupes, with a fast developing reputation for creating some of the most original, most hilarious theatre available on the small and middle scale circuit. Spymonkey brings together theatre artists from Britain, Spain and Germany with backgrounds in physical theatre, circus, live music and open-air spectacle. The devising process involves improvisation, play, collaborative writing, puppetry, animation, slapstick and an integral use of recorded and live music. The result is funny, accessible theatre.

He added that Stiff...Undertaking Undertaking displays the company's shared taste for absurd, edgy black comedy. Life has not been kind to Forbes Murdston. Being recently bereaved, he enlists an enthusiastic trio of actors to enact a moving tribute to his dear departed love. This pastiche of Victorian melodrama was awarded the Total Theatre Award Edinburgh 2000.

Highlighting the message the play to convey Kallas said that Forbes Murdston, the great tragedian, is grieving the loss of his wife, Morag. He enters a funeral home and hires a trio of enthusiastic undertakers to enact a moving tribute to his dear departed wife. The comedy is a Victorian melodrama in which staff rivalries, tombstone one-upmanship and a fixation on organ donation will ensure that the deceased will not rest in peace. Stiff was created by the dark clown surrealist troupe Spymonkey. This international ensemble, Toby Park (U.K.), Petra Massey (U.K.), Stephan Kreiss (Germany) and Aitor Basauri (Spain), co-wrote the show. Spymonkey's skills range from text-based theatre to comedy, clowning to street theatre, circus to jazz and rock. As part of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2000, the show won the Total Theatre Award in recognition of excellent ensemble work and a commitment to first-rate physical comedy. The Independent said, "Hilarious, gleeful black humour." The Guardian noted, "Brilliant, endearing, inventiveÉYou'll weep, but only with laughter." In 2001 Spymonkey takes part in the London International Mime Festival. Kallas indicated the company toured the world, in conjunction with the British Council. Since autumn 2000 the company have visited Hungary, Finland, USA, Switzerland, and Mexico. They are soon to embark on another world tour, taking in Canada, France, Syria, and Australia.mader Fateh

Previous Stories:
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