‘Thank you for a truly brilliant experience. It was just fabulous on so many levels.’ Caroline Sharman, Commissioner, New Theatre Royal
Overnight, a prison appears in the city centre surrounded by elite Caesar Security guards. The prison contains an anonymous captive, pacing behind bars, as digital screens relay public safety messages. But in the recesses the Spartacus movement is planning an action. The movement cannot be contained and will not see one of their number remanded for no reason – ‘Expect us: we will act…’
This modern retelling of the slaves uprising explores the ownership of public space, surveillance and ‘security in the interests of public safety’, with live physical action, digital media, audience participation and a cast of thousands.
Funded by Arts Council England. Commissioned by Pitch Black Arts/South Hill Park Arts Centre, New Theatre Royal Portsmouth. Development support from Corn Exchange Newbury, University of Winchester.
The project was Award-winner of the Pierre de Coubertin Prize for Best Creative Cultural Project at the National Podium awards for contributions to the Cultural Olympiad, 2012.