MAT & Purbanat Theatre present

DESCENT

by David Calcutt & Sarah Sayeed

We are planning to tour Descent in 2022. Watch this space for more details!

"A brilliant piece of theatre"- Elise Evans, Radio WM

In the aftermath of war, four characters go on a strange and mysterious journey – descending underground. They are haunted by visions, and ghosts of the past. The things they have done, the things they have gone through, the things they have seen. Can they rebuild their lives?

Their journey ends in a strange encounter - and a dreamlike vision of the Earth reborn … 

The production of Descent is a unique, haunting and immersive experience. It is visually stunning, combining drama, music, dance and film. 

Descent has received rave reviews from critics and audiences. Here are some examples:

"Descent" is a stark and daring new drama which takes the audience on a unique theatrical journey, from the darkness of despair to the light of redemption and rebirth ... dynamic and exciting (Rangzeb Hussain, iambirmingham. Click here to read the full review)

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Once seen, it won't be forgotten ...You will feel yourselves part of the action and experience both descent and the possibility of regeneration. A theatre piece for our times. ... See it while you can. I would go again. One of the best theatrical experiences I've seen. (Penny Harper)

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Dark, tough, but wonderful to be part of. Theatre design, soundscape and performances that will rattle around my head for quite some time. Like theatre should be. (Rachel Gillies)

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Go and see it, truly worth it. (Richard Teasdale)

Click on the video to hear David Allen talking about the play with Elise Evans on Radio WM

You can follow these links to find out more about the creation of the play:

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An Interview with the Director

Sources

Dante and Ibn Arabi

Journeys of Descent

Goddesses of the Underworld

The Drama of the Lost Word

The Tree of Life

Gwenyth Hood on "Descent" (1)

Gwenyth Hood on "Descent" (2)

Site-Specific Theatre

Seminar Series

Supported by Arts Council England, Sir Barry Jackson Trust, Cole Trust, Edward and Dorothy Cadbury Trust, William A. Cadbury Trust, Grimmitt Trust, Keith and Joan Mindelsohn Trust