Birdsong: 1-5 Oct
In pre-war France, Englishman Stephen Wraysford, has a passionate affair with the beautiful Isabelle Azaire, that overtakes both their lives. As war breaks out, Stephen leads his men through the tragedy of the Battle of the Somme and digging dangerous sprawling tunnels deep underground in no man’s land. Faced with the horrors of war, Stephen clings to the memory of Isabelle as the world collapses around him. Based on the world-wide book by Sebastian Faulks.
Sebastian Faulks describes Birdsong as a novel that explores the human experiences of love, loss and trauma, set against the backdrop of World War I. He intended the book to convey the intense emotions and struggles faced by individuals in extreme circumstances, highlighting the impact of war on both the physical and emotional aspects of life. Faulks has said that Birdsong is not just a war novel but also a story about personal survival and the enduring human spirit, reflecting on how people cope with extraordinary adversity and the passage of time.
Sebastian Faulks is a renowned British author known for his historical and literary fiction. His writing often explores themes of war, love, and the human condition, with a particular focus on the impact of historical events on individual lives. Faulks is best known for his ‘France Trilogy’, which includes Birdsong, Charlotte Grey and A Possible Life. His prose is characterized by its emotional depth, rich historical detail, and lyrical style. Faulks has written 16 novels, along with several non-fiction works and contributions to anthologies.
Richmond Theatre. atgtickets.com. Tickets £17-£70.50
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