National Theatre Live in HD presents "Collaborators" | Press Releases

7 p.m., Thursday, December 1, 2011 (encore performance)*
Fairfield University's Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts

Image: Collaborators What happens in 1938 Russia when the celebrated writer Mikhail Bulgakov, whose latest play has just been banned by the government, gets "invited" to write a play about Joseph Stalin celebrating his 60th birthday, eventually interacting and collaborating with the future Premier of the Soviet Union? Inspired by historical fact, "Collaborators," is a blistering new play written by the Scottish screenwriter John Hodge performed live on the London stage by the National Theatre and shown in an encore performance broadcast at 7 p.m. on Thursday, December 1, 2011 at Fairfield University's Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts as part of the National Theatre Live in HD series. Tickets are $25 regular, $20 seniors, and $15 for students and children.

"Collaborators" embarks on a surreal journey into the fevered imagination of the writer as he loses himself in a macabre and disturbingly funny relationship with the omnipotent subject of his drama. Stalin eventually volunteers to write part of the play himself, while Bulgakov finds himself running the country and having to make life and death decisions. Marking John Hodge's debut as a playwright, whose screenwriting credits include "Trainspotting," "Shallow Grave," and "The Beach," "Collaborators" has been called "vividly funny" by the Financial Times in a four star review as it depicts a lethal game of cat and mouse "that brilliantly conveys the slow erosion of principle and certainty involved with collaboration." The Evening Standard called the play "fresh and energetic." And the Daily Telegraph said this production will be best remembered for its "dream-casting" of Alex Jennings as Bulgakov and Simon Russell as Stalin, "a truly tremendous double act which thrills, chills and makes you laugh out loud - even though you know you shouldn't." The production, which is being performed at the Cottesloe Theatre, was directed by Nicholas Hytner with a set designed by Bob Crowley.

*Because of a schedule change, the 2 p.m. live performance, originally listed, will not be broadcast. All 2 p.m. ticket holders will have their tickets honored at the 7 p.m. encore performance. Please call the Quick Center box office at (203) 254-4010, to exchange your ticket and for more information.

Tickets are available through the Quick Center Box Office: (203) 254-4010, or toll-free 1-877-ARTS-396 (1-877-278-7396). Tickets can also be purchased online at www.fairfield.edu/quick .

The Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts is located on the campus of Fairfield University at 1073 North Benson Road in Fairfield, Connecticut. Entrance to the Quick Center is through the Barlow Road gate at 200 Barlow Road. Free, secure parking is available. Access for people with disabilities is available throughout the Quick Center for audience members and performers. Hearing amplification devices are available upon request at the Box Office. Fairfield University is located off exit 22 of Interstate-95. For further information and directions, call (203) 254-4010 or 1-877-278-7396, or visit www.fairfield.edu/quick .