The Dukes will present romance against a wartime backdrop when the very first UK stage adaptation of Hemmingway’s masterpiece ‘A Farewell To Arms’ is performed in Lancaster from tomorrow, Friday 10 October until Saturday 25 October.
Based on Ernest Hemingway’s real-life experience of World War One in Italy, A Farewell To Arms tells the story of Frederic Henry, an American ambulance driver for the Italian army, and his relationship with English nurse Catherine Barkley.
The couple discover the redemptive power of love and experience the loss of innocence as they attempt to cement their relationship in a time of devastating conflict.
In this unique stage adaptation of a classic Twentieth Century novel, The Dukes has joined forces again with imitating the dog, one of the UK’s most original and innovative performance theatre companies, who will fuse video projection, beautiful stage design and original music to recreate Hemingway’s powerful tale of love and the brutality of modern warfare.
The play’s director, Andrew Quick, a founder member of imitating the dog, who lives in Lancaster, said: “imitating the dog are very excited to have obtained the rights for Hemingway’s wonderful novel and to be the first to produce the first stage adaptation of the much loved classic in the UK.
“The company fell in love with the novel many years ago and knew that the creative possibilities of creating something very special with our unique theatrical style could be endless.
“imitating the dog will create a magical and highly accessible version of the novel for all audiences.”
A Farewell To Arms is supported with complementary regional producing organisations, Lancaster’s Live at LICA and Cast, Doncaster. Following its Dukes premiere, the play will tour nationally and also to Italy.
The production is suitable for anyone aged 14 plus and will feature scenes of an adult nature.
Performances are at 7.30pm daily (except Sundays), with matinee performances at 2pm on October 16, 22 & 25. There is a post show talk-back free to ticket holders on October 15. Ticket prices range from £8 to £18.50.
For more information and to book, ring The Dukes box office on 01524 598500 or visit www.dukes-lancaster.org