STATIC (1999-2006)

The point at which war in (seemingly) far away places meets post-atrocity television
written by Chris Thorpe.

“A searing production…performances beyond praise…achingly vital and a must see event.” Los Angeles Times (2006)

Written in response to the conflict in Kosovo in 1999, STATIC was premiered at the Leeds Met Studio Theatre in Leeds (1999) before a 2001 run at the Edinburgh Fringe festival where it was awarded a Fringe First “for innovation in theatre and an outstanding production”.

Staring into the gap between real-life experience and the media’s representation of death in a small-scale, very European war, STATIC is a moving, witty and timely reminder that the blood on TV isn’t always make-up and that there’s more to life, and death, than processed cheese and public transport.

The production toured extensively throughout the UK, was recorded and broadcast on BBC Radio 4 and toured internationally to Germany, the Republic of Ireland, Zimbabwe, the USA, the Philippines and Papua New Guinea.

“Static is a formidable reminder that what for us often constitutes inconsequential words and images on television are live action snapshots of others’ horrific experiences…. Terrifying, tender and compelling” The List

“Chris Thorpe’s two-hander is a very promising, very controlled piece of new writing about how TV news coverage brings tragedy and atrocity straight into our living rooms and how we dismiss it so easily. This beautifully acted production is as sharp and as clean as the writing.” The Guardian

“Both Thorpe’s script and the uncluttered staging confront a complex issue with confidence and impressive restraint. Simply done to startling effect, this is a show that demonstrates with real elegance how less, in theatre terms, can be more.” The Scotsman

“Goal of the Month… STATIC won a Fringe First and it’s easy to see why. This is a show that offers genuine, concerned commentary on the world. Lucid, powerful, direct.” The Independent

“The script’s keen intelligence makes for pulse-quickening listening… perfectly controlled simplicity… this is theatre that sticks in your throat” The Times

Original cast: Clare Duffy and J Spooner.
Clare subsequently shared the role with Bridget Escolme

Directed by Paul Warwick
Designed by Alex Kelly
Lighting by Tim Skelly