Private Peaceful

Private Peaceful PIC CREDIT Steve Ullathorne

THEATRE: UK

“The horrors of war and the joyfulness of life are bound up together in this

magnificent show.” The Scotsman

Private Peaceful, a riveting adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s award-winning book, comes to the Festival following sell-out seasons on London’s West End.

Scamp Theatre’s solo show tells the story of Private ‘Tommo’ Peaceful, branded a coward by his country and condemned to death by firing squad. As time marches towards dawn, we learn of Tommo’s adventures, tragedies, the loves of his young life and the battles and injustices of war that now find him confined to a desolate cell.

Children’s Laureate and multi-award winning author Michael Morpurgo’s books have been translated into more than 26 languages. His titles include War Horse and Kensuke’s Kingdom. Morpurgo was inspired to write Private Peaceful following a trip to a war cemetery outside Ypres. He was shocked to discover how many young soldiers were court-martialled and shot for cowardice during the First World War.

Inventive and deeply moving, Private Peaceful is, above all, a story of hope. Bedfordshire-based Scamp Theatre was established in 2003 and specialises in literary adaptations. Scamp’s Private Peaceful has had two highly successful UK tours, with the Sunday Express calling it an “infinitely touching, intensely acted account of a young First World War soldier’s final day”.

Private Peaceful is at Soundings Theatre, Te Papa from 14 to 17 March for the 2012 New Zealand International Arts Festival, Wellington, 24 February – 18 March. Tickets $48 available from Ticketek.

Private Peaceful also appears in Art on the Move in Lower Hutt on 10 March and Greytown on 12 March. GA adult tickets $36 and GA child tickets $15 available from Ticketek.

AGE RECOMMENDATION: 11+

ENDS

Sponsored by Te Papa

For Kids is supported by Wellington Community Trust

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