Performance Details: The Threepenny Opera
Project type: Stage play
Synopsis: The beggars beg, the whores whore, the thieves steal, and the cops all look on as long as they are getting their cut. The Ballad Singer spins this tale of how the seamier side lives, and how we keep those aspects of society "out of sight". Most notorious of all the criminal element is the ambitious and cunning Mac the Knife. He decides to woo Polly Peachum, daughter of J.J. Peachum, who runs the Beggar Rackets. This merger is not to Peachum's liking, so he tries to get Mackie arrested, but Tiger Brown, the Police Commissioner, happens to be Mac's best friend from the war in India. Not to be daunted by a little corruption, Peachum uses every trick in the book to get Mac picked up and held. He is helped along quite readily in that effort by Jenny Diver and the girls of Mac's favorite brothel, which not even married life and being on the lamb can make him avoid. When all other avenues of escape have been closed to him, it finally rests on the head of the Queen (who is feeling merciful having just been coronated) to pardon Mac, who is at that point standing on the gallows with only a moment to spare.
Chronology: Performed at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, most likely sometime between 1989 and 1993.
Principal Cast & Crew: Damian Lewis as Jonathan Jeremiah (J.J.) Peachum; other cast members unidentified; Written by Bertolt Brecht.
Scene-by-Scene Synopsis:
Prologue: The prologue is the "Ballad of Mac the Knife", sung while beggars, prostitutes and thieves are all enjoying a fair in Soho. The ballad describes many of the things that Macheath, known as Mac the Knife, has done. He is compared to a shark with sharp teeth, but unlike a shark he keeps his weapons hidden. Mac the Knife always wears fancy "white kid gloves" in spite of the atrocious crimes he has committed. The song indicates that Macheath is to blame for killing many men, stealing cash boxes, murdering a prostitute, setting a fire in Soho that killed seven children, and raping a young bride. At the end of the song the whores laugh and a man steps out of their group. As he walks away, Low-Dive Jenny cries out that that was Mac the Knife.
Scene 1: Peachum sings a morning "hymn", basically a call for thieves and beggars to start their "sinful employment". Peachum runs an outfitting shop for beggars; he provides them with props and slogans and is paid a part of their daily "take". He laments the fact that humans are able to deaden their feelings, forcing him to constantly create new ways of arousing human sympathy. A man named Filch enters the shop. Filch complements Peachum on his fine slogans and signs and then tries to recite his sad life-story in an effort to get sympathy. Peachum harshly cuts him off and asks Filch if that is the same story he uses when begging on the street. Filch admits that it is, and that he was beaten up for using it the previous day. Peachum checks his notes and informs Filch that he was lucky to only get a beating considering he was begging without a license in one of the best districts. Filch begs for a position, but Peachum explains that London is divided into fourteen districts and that he alone controls the licenses for begging in London. Filch pleads some more but Peachum tells him he must pay in order to get a position. Filch reluctantly agrees to pay and hands over his money, agreeing at the same time to share fifty percent of what he earns. Peachum then shows him five exhibits portraying the five basic types of human misery; each of the exhibits shows a beggar who has been harmed by some form of economic or political progress (such as a vehicular accident victim or a war veteran). Filch shows sympathy for one of the exhibits, causing Peachum to yell at him for showing emotions. Mrs. Peachum shows up (slightly drunk) and makes him change his clothes. Peachum asks his wife where his daughter Polly is. She replies that Polly is upstairs. Peachum asks about the man who has been hanging around their place, and learns that Mrs. Peachum thinks he is a fine gentleman. Peachum rants that he does not want his daughter marrying anyone. He extracts more information from Mrs. Peachum, and learns that the man wears white kid gloves. Filch interrupts them and they kick him out of the shop. Peachum then informs his wife that the "gentleman" is really Mac the Knife. He checks Polly's room and discovers that she never came home the previous night. Mr. and Mrs. Peachum step in front of the stage and sing the song "No They Can't". It is a song about the fact that children cannot see what is good for them. Instead, the children fall in love and want to have fun. When the children fall in love and choose fun they eventually end up in "shit".
Scene 2: In the heart of Soho, Macheath and his gang have taken over a stable. Polly enters in a wedding dress and complains about the fact that it is stable rather than a fine building. One of Mac's gang, Matthew, tells Mac that this is the most daring "job" he has ever pulled, referring to the fact that Mac has stolen Polly from her parents. Polly complains again about the fact that are going to get married in a stable; she is further upset about the fact that Mac does not own the place. Mac tells her that she will have everything she needs. A van pulls up outside the stable and the gang enters with lots of furniture, dishes and carpets. They transform the room and congratulate Polly and Mac on the pending marriage even while they describe the people they had to kill in order to steal the stuff. Mac insults them all, calling them cannibals for having killed people in order to get the stuff. Polly bursts into tears over the fact that people had to die in order to make her wedding pleasant. Mac meanwhile complains that the stuff is junk and that there are no chairs. Polly, realizing that the gang has tried to make everything nice, starts to defend them from Mac's insults. They cut off the legs of harpsichord to turn it into a bench. While the men go to change into more formal wear, Polly worries what will happen if the Sheriff walks in and arrests them all since all the goods have been stolen. Mac tells her not to worry. The men return wearing fashionable evening dress, but their movements are not in keeping with it. Matthew then congratulates the couple on behalf of the entire gang. He makes a sexual joke at the end and Mac knocks him to the floor, telling him to watch his language. Matthew gets angry and reveals that Lucy told him some of the filthy things Mac used to say to her. Mac only stares at him, causing the other men to quickly pull him away. They give the couple some presents, including a large grandfather clock. After the presents, they sit down to eat. Mac yells at them for starting to eat before providing any sort of entertainment. He asks them to sing a song, but they refuse. One of them inadvertently mentions Lucy again, causing Polly to ask Mac who Lucy is. The other men quickly avoid the topic and Mac orders one of them to guard the door. The man soon returns claiming the cops are there, but it is Reverend Kimball instead. Mac makes the men sing a song and they do, but it is a song about a couple who get married without knowing who they are marrying and then the wife sleeps around. The men sing without much enthusiasm and Mac yells at them when it is over. Polly then comes forward and performs the "Pirate Jenny" song, a song about a wash-girl who is ignored by society. One day pirates arrive and take over the town. Jenny is placed in command and she orders the pirates to kill everyone. Mac calls the song art but is not thrilled with Polly acting in front of the men. The Sheriff arrives, a man named Tiger Brown, causing the men to hide. Mac greets him like an old friend and introduces all of his men to Brown. They are frightened, having been to jail before in their lives, and are unsure of whether to trust Brown. Mac explains that he and Tiger Brown served in India together and have remained good friends ever since, with Mac giving Brown a kickback on whatever he steals. The two friends sing a "Cannon Song" about the war and then Tiger Brown says that he must get back to work in order to prepare for the Queen's Coronation. The gang has one final surprise for Polly and Mac, a full bed that they have concealed in the room behind a carpet wallhanging. The men leave after Mac thanks them and he and Polly start to sentimentalize. However, instead of being sentimental, their words imply that they are not legally wed, everything was stolen, and their love may or may not endure.
Scene 3: Polly returns home and is greeted by her very irate parents. Mr. Peachum remarks that after having paid a fortune to raise her, she threw herself away into the garbage. Polly sings a song in an effort to explain why she married Macheath. She talks about all her former "nice" suitors whom she turned down when they proposed marriage. However, when Macheath came along she did not know what to say so she said yes instead and married him. Peachum sarcastically comments that his daughter is now associating with criminals. Mrs. Peachum calls for some wine and faints, but Polly happily goes and gets her the bottle. Peachum berates his daughter before turning back to business after five beggars walk in. He looks over the five men and helps the first four, but fires the fifth one for eating too much. Polly meanwhile is rationalizing her decision to marry Macheath. She says she looked over his books and thinks that after a few successful "ventures" she will be able to retire with him to a country house. Peachum tells her that she should do what normal people who get married do, namely get divorced. When Polly argues she is in love, Mrs. Peachum states that Macheath has several other women who can claim to be his wife. She mentions hanging him, and after Polly leaves Peachum realizes that he can get Macheath hanged plus earn a good bounty in the process. Mrs. Peachum says that she can take care of catching Macheath. She explains that he frequents a brothel and that she can bribe the women there to turn him in when he shows up again. Polly has listened in on the conversation and re-enters the room to tell her mother no to waste her time. She then explains that Mac and Tiger Brown are good friends. Peachum decides to take on Macheath and get him hanged. He sends Mrs. Peachum to the brothel while he and Polly go to see Tiger Brown. The scene ends with all three of them singing a song about the insecurity of the human condition. It discusses the fact that peoples' rights are not secure and that people are mostly poor.
Scene 4: Polly arrives at the stable where Mac is currently living and tells him that he must leave immediately. She says that her father threatened Brown and forced him to issue an arrest warrant for Mac. Mac does not believe her until she produces the list of charges they have against him; it is a very long list with everything from murder to arson to underage sex. Macheath agrees that he should flee and tells her to take over the business for him. She tries to be sentimental but he brusquely interrupts her and shows her the account ledgers. Mac then reads off a list of his men and tells her which ones to promote and which ones to send to jail. He informs Polly that he is planning on switching into banking soon since it is safer and more reliable. He plans to turn the entire gang over to Tiger Brown once he does not need them anymore. Polly asks him how he can look his men in the eye and still plan on hanging them, but they walk in before he can complete his answer. Mac immediately acts friendly towards them. He tells them to go ahead and work without him during the Coronation. He lastly puts Polly in charge of the business. Polly tries to take charge, but Matthew is reluctant to work for a woman. She turns on him and screams that if he ever says anything against her she will have the other men rip him to shreds. The other men applaud her. Mac then berates Matthew for drinking too much. He asks Matthew who set the Children's Hospital on fire in the last week (alluding to the seven dead children mentioned in the prologue). Matthew at first takes credit, but the other men all credit Macheath with the crime, thereby forcing Matthew to agree with them. After the gang leaves Polly and Mac remain alone. Polly pleads with Mac to leave immediately and not to look at any other women while he is away. She is desperate to have him stay with her and laments the short time they have been together. Polly tells Mac that she had a dream in which she way the moon and it looked like "a worn-down penny". Mac promises not to forget her and leaves. Polly then comments that he will never return and sings a song about losing her lover.
Interlude: Mrs. Peachum and Low-Dive Jenny are together. She has convinced Jenny to turn Mac the Knife in to the police for ten shillings. When Jenny argues that Mac will not show up if he is being hunted by the police, Mrs. Peachum sings the "Ballad of Sexual Obsession". She describes that some men cannot control their urges and must go to prostitutes to satisfy themselves.
Scene 5: A member of Mac's gang named Jake is in a brothel where he is telling the women that Mac the Knife would not be foolish enough to show up. No sooner has he made this claim than Mac walks in and surprises them all. Jake asks him why he is not in Highgate, running away, and Mac replies that it is Thursday and he will not let his problems interfere with his habits. Low-Dive Jenny takes his palm and starts to read it. She warns him that someone with a name starting with a J will betray him. Mac laughs and tells her she is wrong, that the letter must instead be a P. Mac then diverts the conversation to discussing the whore's underwear, during which Jenny slips outside. Mac then starts to tell them all about his previous history with Jenny. He sings a song about his life with her called the "Ballad of Immoral Earnings". Mac describes how he used to live with Jenny and pimp her out to other men, but he describes the life nostalgically. Jenny has meanwhile gotten Constable Smith and Mrs. Peachum and brought them to arrest Mac. She takes up the song and sings about how Mac would beat her up all the time. The then alternate verses, again making the past seem idyllic and nostalgic. Smith walks into the brothel and tries to arrest Macheath; Macheath knocks him down and jumps out the window. However, Mrs. Peachum is standing right where he lands and she has several constables with her. Jenny wakes up Jake, who was so engrossed in his reading that he did not even notice the arrest.
Scene 6: In the Old Bailey, the jail where Mac is being brought, Tiger Brown anxiously hopes that his friend has not been caught. However, he realizes that Mac is frivolous and will likely be foolish. When Brown hears sounds at the door he is worried that he will not be able to bear looking at Mac. Mac enters, accompanied by six constables. Brown tries to apologize to him but Mac's silence causes him even more grief and he leaves. Mac comments that he is glad he remained silent instead of shouting at Brown, and claims he got the trick from the Bible. Smith enters with handcuffs. Mac immediately pulls out his checkbook and asks how much it costs to not wear any; Smith quotes a price and Mac pays him. Mac then remarks that his biggest worry is that Brown will discover the he has been playing around with Lucy, Brown's daughter. Smith tells him to deal with the problems he created. Macheath interrupts the action by singing the "Ballad of Good Living". The song describes how some people can live with starvation or by doing great deeds, but Mac claims he would rather just live well. Lucy arrives and yells at Mac. She is furious that he married Polly. Mac pretends that he has only been with Polly a few times and claims that Polly is the one who made up the story of them being married. Lucy argues that he should make her an honest woman, implying that she is pregnant by him and that she needs to marry him to make the baby not be a bastard. Polly arrives at that moment and calls Mac her husband. Lucy becomes even more enraged and accuses Mac of having two wives. (Note: these "wives" are in name only; only Polly is legally married to Macheath). Mac tells them to both shut up, but instead they sing the "Jealousy Duet", a song in which they alternate lines and attack each other verbally. After the song, Mac tells Lucy that Polly is just trying to come between them. Polly refuses to back down and argues that she is Mrs. Macheath. Lucy threatens her and Mac pleads with her, but all to no avail. Lucy points out that she is pregnant by Macheath, but Polly merely tells her that she should not have slept with him. Mrs. Peachum arrives and drags Polly away. Mac takes advantage of the situation to tell Lucy that she is the only one he loves. He asks her to help him escape, and she happily gives him his cane and hat through the bars. After she leaves, Smith returns and tries to get the cane back. He is unsuccessful and Mac manages to escape. Tiger Brown shows up and rejoices. Unfortunately for Tiger Brown, Mr. Peachum arrives and sees what has happened. Peachum has come to collect the reward for turning in Macheath. He is upset when he sees that Mac has escaped. As a result, he turns to Brown and threatens him. Peachum tells Brown a story about the coronation of Semiramis around 1400 BC. He says that the police chief in Nineveh committed a crime against the lower classes. As a result, the coronation was disrupted several times. Semiramis destroyed the police chief by feeding snakes on his flesh. After Peachum leaves, Brown hastily gets his men together. Macheath and Low-Dive Jenny come out in front of the curtain and sing the "Second Threepenny Finale". The song argues that morals and missions are fine, but that food must come first.
Scene 7: Back at Peachum's house the beggar's are working frantically to prepare to disrupt the Queen's coronation ceremony. Peachum announces that over one thousand four hundred men are working for him at this moment; the men are scattered throughout London. The whores, led by Jenny, arrive and demand to be paid for turning in Mac the Knife. Mrs. Peachum refuses to pay them, arguing that since Macheath has escaped she does not have to pay. Jenny, furious about not getting paid, tells them Macheath is a far better man than they are. She then foolishly tells the Peachums that Macheath showed up at her room and lay with her. Jenny lastly tells them that he is now sleeping over at Suky Tawdry's place (Suky is another whore, she is never present in the play). At hearing this news, Peachum immediately promises to pay the women. He sends Filch to have the police go arrest Macheath. Mrs. Peachum sings the last stanza of the "Ballad of Sexual Obsession", indicating that even with the gallows hanging over him, Macheath still cannot escape from his desire to be with the whores. She brings the whores coffee and Peachum prepares to send his men to Buckingham Palace. At that moment Filch arrives and informs them that cops are already there. The beggars hide and Peachum confronts Brown. Brown has come to arrest Peachum. He arrives with Smith and several other constables. After knocking off Peachum's hat, Brown starts to get annoyed with the friendly manner in which Peachum greets him. Brown orders his men to round up the beggars and tells Peachum that in order to prevent him from disrupting the coronation, he has decided to simply arrest all the beggars. Peachum points out the idiocy of this plan by telling Brown that there are far more beggars than there are cops. The "Song of the Insufficiency of Human Endeavour" is sung, a song about the fact that mankind can barely scratch out an existence in spite of his hard work. Peachum informs Brown that the plan will never succeed due to the excess numbers of poor people. He asks Brown what it would look like if several hundred beggars are clubbed down in the streets. Brown realizes that he is being threatened but that he cannot stop Peachum. He agrees to arrest Macheath and sends Smith to Suky Tawdrys place. Peachum demands that Mac be hung by six o'clock that night and lastly sends his beggars to the jail instead of Buckingham Palace. After Brown leaves, the scene changes and Jenny steps forward to deliver the "Solomon Song". This famous song claims that Solomon was wise and therefore realized that all his efforts were in vain. The next stanzas are the following: Cleopatra was lovely and whored herself to death, Caesar was courageous and got murdered, Brecht was curious and got driven overseas, and Macheath has sexual urges that are about to get him hung. The song thus rejects wiseness, beauty, courage, curiosity and sex and states in each stanza: "How fortunate the man with none!"
Scene 8: Polly takes a risk and visits Lucy in her home. She apologizes for the way she acted and comments that it is obvious that Mac loves Lucy more. Polly then explains that she had only known Macheath for five days before she married him. Every time Lucy nods in agreement and calls her "Miss Peachum", Polly corrects her and makes her say "Mrs. Macheath". Polly then comments that Mac felt no regret when her mother made her leave him. She asks Lucy for advice, but Lucy tells her she should have stuck with her own class of people. Polly agrees that she should have done everything as if it were a business transaction. However, Lucy does admit that at least Polly is Macheath's wife on paper, even if not in spirit. She brings Polly some cake and tea and Polly looks around the apartment. Finally Polly reveals that the reason she came was to find out where Macheath is staying. Lucy claims she does not know and that she thought Polly would know. Polly bursts out laughing while Lucy cries when they both realize that Mac has stood them both up. Lucy then admits to Polly that her pregnancy is all fake. Polly laughs even more and promises to give her Mac if he is ever found. There is a noise on the stairs and they realize that Mac has been caught again. Mrs. Peachum enters with widow's clothing and makes Polly change into it for the hanging.
Scene 9: The bells of Westminster start to ring, meaning that Macheath has only an hour before he is hung. He is brought on stage by Smith. One of the constables remarks that the streets are jam-packed with people (these are likely the beggars that Peachum ordered to go to the jail). He says that all the people who would have gone to the coronation are showing up for the hanging instead. Smith orders them to move faster and lock Macheath into a cell. Brown enters and asks if Mac is in the cell. He leaves without speaking to Mac. Macheath then tries to bribe Smith by offering him a thousand pounds. Smith slowly refuses, indicating that he might take the money if Mac has it. Matthew and Jake then arrive and go to visit Mac, who chides them for taking so long. He asks them to give him all their money but they are unable to access their accounts since it is five in the morning. Smith interrupts and asks what Mac wants for breakfast. Mac order asparagus. After Matthew and Jake leave to see if they can get the money (which only amounts to four hundred pounds), Smith returns and asks Macheath if he has the cash. He tells him he only has four hundred; Smith shrugs and leaves. Polly soon arrives and forces her way in. She greets Macheath affectionately but chooses to talk about business instead of focusing on his plight. She also tells him that she has no money on her with which to help him. She breaks down and starts crying until Smith pulls her away. Smith asks if Mac has the money yet and ushers Polly away when he realizes that Mac is not going to get the cash. He and Brown then bring Mac his asparagus. While in the cell, Brown agrees to settle up his accounts with Macheath (recall that Brown gets paid kickbacks for helping Mac commit crimes). When he pulls out his notebooks, Mac caustically comments, "Oh, so all you came for was to get your money before it's too late." They discuss the business and Mac tells Brown that he owes him thirty-eight pounds. Mac then quotes his future epilogue, causing Brown to get upset and leave him. Smith asks for the money again and finds out that Mac does not have it. The Peachums, Jake and Matthew, Lucy, the whores, and the parson all arrive and stand next to Macheath's cell. Mr. Peachum approaches Mac and tells him that all he has left is his scar. Polly walks past in tears. Jake and Matthew inform Mac that all the other members of the gang are out stealing since it is the coronation day and they can earn a lot. Mac delivers his last lines; he announces that the small thieves are being swallowed up by the corporations backed by banks. His last words are to say goodbye to those present and to state, "So be it - I fall." Macheath then sings a song, the "Ballad in which Macheath begs all men for forgiveness". He asks ambitious men to forgive him, and includes the whores, the thieves, and the psychopaths in that category. However, he does not want the police employees to forgive him; in the end he prays that someone should bash in their faces before he asks them for forgiveness. Mac is placed on the scaffold and Peachum delivers the last speech. In it, he says that although it would be the "Christian thing to do" to hang Macheath, they will not hang him since that ending might offend the audience. Instead, because this is an opera, Peachum indicates that a man on a horse will come to rescue Mac. Sure enough, Brown soon enters and delivers a message that the Queen has issued a royal reprieve. In addition, Macheath is made a hereditary knight and given a castle. Mac cheers at the news and Mrs. Peachum remarks that life would be nicer if such endings always occurred. Peachum then leads the company in the a song for the poorest of the poor, a song that argues that since poor people always face injustice they should not be persecuted for it. The Westminster bells can be heard ringing the last time in the background.
RETURN TO DAMIAN'S DOMINION: PERFORMANCE GUIDE
Performance Details: Timon Of Athens
Project type: Audio Recording
Synopsis: The fabulously rich Timon believes all his friends to be as open-hearted and generous as himself. When his wealth suddenly evaporates, however, he discovers the truth and his altruism turns to a bitter hatred of mankind. Stirred up by the cynical Apemantus, Timon retreats to the woods where he plots the destruction of Athens, the city that had formerly seemed to embody everything pleasurable and civilized. The cosmic scope of his hatred is communicated in a series of powerful and disturbing dramatic tableaux.
Chronology: Recorded at The Sound House, London, sometime between 1996 and 1998 as part of the series The Complete Arkangel Shakespeare: 38 Unabridged Plays. (The entire series was recorded over a four-and-one-half-year span from 1996 through 2000.) Released for individual sale on audiocassette in the UK in November 1999 and in the US in March 2000. Released on in the US on CD as part of the 98-CD, 38 play set The Complete Arkangel Shakespeare in March 2003. Released for individual sale on CD in the US on October 6, 2005.
Principal Cast & Crew: Alex Boyd-Williams as Third Servant; Michael N. Harbour as Lucullus / Jeweler; John Hollis as Second Senator / Old Man; Alan Howard as Timon; Paul Jesson as Painter; Damian Lewis as Alcibiades; Alex Lowe as Second Servant; John McAndrew as Steward; Alex McSweeney as Caphis; Norman Rodway as Apemantus; John Rogan as First Lord; Clifford Rose as First Senator; David Ross as Poet / Lucius; Nicholas Rowe as Lucilius / Philotus; Chook Sibtain as First Servant / Flaminius; Jonathan Tafler as Merchant; Alan Westaway as Hortensius; Rupert Wickham as Third Senator / Ventidius; Directed by Clive Brill; Written by William Shakespeare.
Links:
Scene-by-Scene Synopsis:
Act 1 - Scene 1: Timon is a noble Athenian, renowned for his generosity. Amongst others, a poet, a painter, a merchant and a jeweler have come to his house, seeking patronage. Examples of Timon's kindness abound: upon learning that Ventidius has been imprisoned for a debt of five talents, he does not hesitate to pay off the sum. He also provides his servant Lucilius with the money he needs to win the hand of a wealthy girl. When the gruff Apemantus arrives, however, he pours scorn on the flatterers surrounding Timon.
Act 1 - Scene 2: Timon gives a great banquet in his house. Ventidius comes intending to repay his debt, but Timon refuses to accept any money. As Timon exchanges pleasantries with his guests, they are entertained with a masque. Meanwhile, Apemantus continues his cynical commentary on the proceedings. Flavius, Timon's steward, worries privately that his master's fortune is almost exhausted.
Act 2 - Scene 1: A senator sends his servant to call in money owed to him by Timon.
Act 2 - Scene 2: When Timon's creditors begin to press for payment he is at last forced to listen to Flavius who tells him that all his property has been lost. Not unduly perturbed, Timon sends to his friends for help.
Act 3 - Scene 1: When Timon's servant Flaminius asks Lucullus for money he is refused and Lucullus attempts to bribe him not to tell his master that they have met. Flaminius throws the money back at him, outraged.
Act 3 - Scene 2: Lucius refuses Timon's servant Servilius the money he requests for his master.
Act 3 - Scene 3: Sempronius claims to be insulted that he was not approached by Timon first and will give him no money.
Act 3 - Scene 4: The servants of Timon's creditors gather at his house; when Timon finally appears they clamor for his attention, but he leaves, enraged. He then instructs Flavius to send invitations to a dinner to all his friends.
Act 3 - Scene 5: In the Senate house, Alcibiades asks the senators to show mercy to a soldier who killed a man when drunk. He speaks of the soldier's military prowess, but the senators are unmoved and remain determined that the man should die. When Alcibiades protests, the senators banish him.
Act 3 - Scene 6: Having invited his erstwhile friends to a banquet, Timon reveals the contents of the dishes to be warm water and stones. When the guests express surprise, Timon berates them for their hypocrisy and sycophancy, throwing the water and stones in their aces. Convinced that he is mad, they leave.
Act 4 - Scene 1: Timon pours forth his spleen against Athens and resolves to go to the woods "where he shall find/Th'unkindest beast more kinder than mankind."
Act 4 - Scene 2: Flavius shares his own money out among Timon's servants. They express their devotion to their old master.
Act 4 - Scene 3: Whilst digging for roots outside his cave in the woods, Timon finds buried gold. He keeps some, but reburies the rest upon hearing a drum in the distance. The drum announces the arrival of Alcibiades, who has gone to war against Athens. He is accompanied by his two mistresses Timandra and Phrynia. Timon rejects Alcibiades' overtures of friendship, but when he understands that he needs money for his campaign, he gives him gold. Then, ranting bitterly against all humankind, Timon urges Alcibiades to ruin Athens and its inhabitants. After Alcibiades and the women have gone, Apemantus arrives; he tells Timon that the beggarly life he has adopted is the product of necessity, not conviction. Timon replies that because Apemantus has never known the flattery and ingratitude of others, he has no reason for his hatred of humanity. Once Apemantus has gone, three bandits appear, searching for Timon's gold. Timon gives them treasure, saying that they at least are "thieves professed" and "work not/In holier shapes". Timon's last visitor is Flavius who is appalled at the sight of his master's wretchedness. Timon at first professes not to recognize him, but then, moved by his honesty, he presses his gold upon the steward and sends him away.
Act 5 - Scene 1: Excited by rumors of Timon's gold, a poet and a painter arrive before his cave. Having overheard their cynical plan to ingratiate themselves with him, Timon gives them a beating rather than the riches they desire. Two senators are also unsuccessful when they request his aid in the war against Alcibiades.
Act 5 - Scene 2: Alcibiades' forces are in the ascendant and the Athenian senators wait anxiously for word from Timon. The news arrives, however, that they can expect nothing from him.
Act 5 - Scene 3: One of Alcibiades' soldiers looks for Timon in the woods, but finds only a tomb announcing that "Timon is dead".
Act 5 - Scene 4: Alcibiades arrives with his forces before the walls of Athens. The senators plead that not all the citizens of the city deserve punishment and ask him rather to "Approach the fold and cull th'infected forth,/But kill not all together." The soldier enters bearing Timon's epitaph. Alcibiades tells the senators that he will temper justice with mercy in Athens.
RETURN TO DAMIAN'S DOMINION: PERFORMANCE GUIDE
Performance Details: To Please His Wife
Project type: Radio recording
Synopsis: Shadrach Jolliffe, a sailor and captain of his own ship, returns to Havenpool Town after nearly being shipwrecked. He grew up in the town but after being orphaned as a child, he left town at a young age to go to see in the Newfoundland trade.
Upon returning to Havenpool, Shadrach meets two young women, Emily Hanning and Joanna Phippard. Shadrach strikes up a relationship with shy Emily, whom he does not think returns his feelings although she is, in fact, in love with him. He then encounters Joanna and grows fond of her, but Joanna sees him as no more than a friend, and Shadrach knows this. Nevertheless, Shadrach and Joanna become engaged to marry -- much to Emily's dismay.
Joanna, feeling guilty over hurting Emily, sets out to break the engagement. But when she secretly learns that Shadrach wants to break the engagement himself and witnesses him telling this to Emily as he proposes to Emily, Joanna grows jealous.
Shadrach attempts to break the engagement with Joanna by letter, but when he receives no reply and is told by Joanna's widowed mother that Joanna is unwell and can't see him, his guilt over hurting her leads him into saying he wants to marry her, not Emily. Shadrach and Joanna reconcile and marry.
Soon, Joanna's mother dies. Shadrach gives up the sea trade to be a shopkeeper in town, so that Joanna won't be alone. Neither Joanna nor Shadrach knows anything about shop keeping. They have two sons, the shop does not fare well, and money is tight.
Meanwhile, Emily marries a wealthy merchant and has children of her own. Their elaborate mansion is across the street from Shadrach and Joanna's humble, struggling shop. Joanna feels nothing but jealousy and resentment toward Emily. In time, Joanna and Shadrach decide that Shadrach should return to the sea to earn a better living for the benefit of their family. A long time passes while Shadrach is away, and he finally returns -- carrying a great deal of money. But Joanna is not satisfied. She thinks the money is far from enough, that it falls far short of bringing their financial status anywhere near that of Emily's. Shadrach tells her he could change that with one more voyage to sea, provided he may take their two sons along on the voyage to assist. Joanna, fearful of the dangers at sea, is reluctant to agree -- but she ultimately consents.
Much time passes, far more than the intended term of the voyage. Joanna prays at the church for her family's return, and she struggles to make financial ends meet. Emily sees her troubles and offers to console her, even to have Joanna come stay a her home. But Joanna holds such envy and resentment toward Emily that she refuses. But ultimately, her financial situation forces her to accept the invitation. Her hatred toward Emily is still quite visible, but Emily remains kind and generous despite Joanna's feelings. Emily, along with everyone in the town except Joanna, is convinced that the ship has been lost at see after all these years.
Six years pass since the ship last set sail with Shadrach and the boys. The shop has been sold to a new owner. Joanna now lives permanently with Emily and her family. And Joanna still bolts from the house, across the street to the shop, day or night, whenever she hears a noise outside that she thinks might be her family returning to her. ...
Chronology: Probably recorded in 1998. Presented on BBC Radio 4 in the UK on November 30, 1998, as part of a four-play series entitled Life's Little Ironies. (Damian was not part of the first, second and fourth plays in the series, An Imaginative Woman (presented on November 16, 1998), The Story Of How Dan'l And Charity Hornhead Told The Story Of Tony Kyte And Milly Richards To An Handsome Young Stranger (presented on November 23, 1998), and The Tragedy Of Two Ambitions (presented on December 7, 1998).)
Principal Cast & Crew: Elli Garnet as _____; Damian Lewis as Shadrach Jolliffe; Rebecca Saire as _____; other cast members unidentified; Directed by Clive Brill; Short story Written by Thomas Hardy.
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Performance Details: A Touch Of Frost: Deep Waters
Project type: Television series episode
Synopsis: A sub-postmistress is fatally stabbed in a small-scale robbery, and Frost wastes a lot of time questioning the leading suspects. Then, Helen Tudor, a beautiful first-year psychology student and keen swimmer at Denton University, is attacked on the campus, and suspicion initially falls on her psychology tutor, Keith Michaelson. Other suspects include Helen's boyfriend Gareth, Helen's close friend Jamie (who some say is jealous of Helen), and Adam, a fellow student who shows unrequited romantic interest in Helen. Frost's investigations uncover a link with the death of another beautiful young girl swimmer two years earlier, in another town.
Chronology: Production began in October 1995. UK television premiere of this episode (the 16th episode of the series) on ITV 1 on February 4, 1996. Released on region 2 DVD in the UK (as part of the DVD boxed set A Touch Of Frost: Season 4) on February 16, 2004. Released on region 1 DVD in the US (as part of the DVD boxed set A Touch Of Frost: Season 4) on November 23, 2004.
Principal Cast & Crew: Bruce Alexander as Superintendent Mullett; Paul Alexander as Ken Tudor; Charlotte Bellamy as Jamie Merrick; Gillian Bevan as Suzanne Michaelson; Simon Coates as Simon Marsh; Ian Curtis as Gareth King; Amerjit Deu as Anil Chandani; Jonathan Hyde as Dr. Keith Michaelson; David Jason as Detective Inspector Jack Frost; Katrina Levon as WPC Lindsey Hunter; Damian Lewis as Adam Weston; Rachel Lumberg as Laura; Francis Magee as Rod Bainbridge; Tamzin Malleson as Helen Tudor; Peter Needham as Caretaker; Jay Simpson as Peter Bainbridge; Darren Tighe as Tony Jarvis; Stephanie Turner as Mrs. Jarvis; Martin Walsh as Richard; Directed by Don Leaver; Written by Christopher Russell; Series Based on the Novels by R.D. Wingfield.
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Performance Details: Two Gentlemen Of Verona
Project type: Audio recording
Synopsis: Proteus loves Julia in Verona, Valentine loves Silvia in Milan. But when Proteus meets Silvia he falls for her too, and the heartbroken Julia sets out in pursuit. This delightful and sometimes disquieting early comedy of love lost and found offers lyrical poetry, disguise, clowning, outlaws and a most unreliable dog.
Chronology: Recorded at The Sound House, London, sometime between 1996 and 1998 as part of the series The Complete Arkangel Shakespeare: 38 Unabridged Plays. (The entire series was recorded over a four-and-one-half-year span from 1996 through 2000.) Released for individual sale on audiocassette in the UK in August 1999 and in the US in March 2000. Released on in the US on CD as part of the 98-CD, 38 play set The Complete Arkangel Shakespeare in March 2003. Released for individual sale on CD in the US on December 28, 2005.
Principal Cast & Crew: Andrew Alston as Sir Eglamour; Desmond Barrit as Sir Thurio; Arthur Cox as Antonio; James Greene as Panthino; Sarah-Jane Holm as Lucetta; Damian Lewis as Valentine; Michael Maloney as Proteus; Trevor Martin as Duke of Milan; Nicholas Murchie as Speed; Lucy Robinson as Julia; Saskia Wickham as Silvia; John Woodvine as Launce; Directed by Clive Brill; Written by William Shakespeare.
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Scene-by-Scene Synopsis:
Act 1 - Scene 1: Valentine prepares to leave Verona for Milan. He is exasperated by his friend Proteus who remains "dully sluggardized at home" unwilling to leave his beloved Julia. Proteus has charged Speed, Valentine's servant, with delivering a letter to Julia, but has received no reply.
Act 1 - Scene 2: Julia's waiting-woman, Lucetta, favors Proteus among her mistress's suitors. Although Julia claims to have no interest in Proteus, once alone, she reveals that she is far from indifferent to him.
Act 1 - Scene 3: Concerned at Proteus's lack of experience of the world, his father Antonio orders him to leave for the Emperor's court at Milan the following day.
Act 2 - Scene 1: Much to Speed's disgust, Valentine is passionately in love with Silvia, the Duke of Milan's daughter. She asks Valentine to write some versus for one she loves, but when she tells him that they are meant for him, he does not believe her.
Act 2 - Scene 2: Proteus is leaving for the Emperor's court; he and Julia exchange rings as a token of fidelity.
Act 2 - Scene 3: Launce, Proteus's servant, is unhappy about leaving Verona. Panthino urges him to hurry aboard his master's boat.
Act 2 - Scene 4: In the Ducal palace at Milan, Valentine taunts Thurio, another of Silvia's suitors. Proteus arrives at court and is greeted warmly by Valentine, who tells his friend of his love for Silvia. He reveals that, despite the duke's preference for the wealthier Thurio, he and Silvia have already planned their elopement, using a corded ladder. But no sooner has Valentine left, than Proteus declares he no longer cares for Julia, and has fallen in love with Silvia.
Act 2 - Scene 5: Speed and Launce meet in the street.
Act 2 - Scene 6: Proteus treacherously decides to tell the duke of Silvia's plan to elope with Valentine.
Act 2 - Scene 7: Julia informs Lucetta that she intends to follow Proteus to Milan, disguised as a page.
Act 3 - Scene 1: Proteus tells the duke about Silvia's elopement. The duke manages to trick Valentine into revealing the corded ladder he has hidden under his cloak. He also appropriates a compromising letter written to Silvia, and banishes Valentine from his territories. Proteus waylays Valentine as he leaves, suggesting that his friend send all letters for Silvia to him in order to ensure their safe passage.
Act 3 - Scene 2: Thurio says that Silvia despises him more than ever since Valentine's banishment; the duke is, however, confident that his daughter will soon forget her erstwhile lover. When Proteus arrives, the duke asks him to speak ill of Valentine to Silvia, saying that such slander will only have an impact coming from her lover's friend. Proteus also undertakes to approach Silvia on Thurio's behalf. Finally, Proteus advises Thurio to write "wailful sonnets" and sing them outside Silvia's chamber.
Act 4 - Scene 1: Valentine and Speed are ambushed by outlaws as they travel through a forest. The quick-witted Valentine, however, claims that he has been banished from Milan for murder, and the outlaws ask him to join them as their leader.
Act 4 - Scene 2: Proteus waits beneath Silvia's window for Thurio, and ponders how Silvia's beauty and purity put him to shame. Julia, dressed as a boy, witnesses Proteus's wooing of Silvia. Silvia accuses Proteus of falsity both to Julia and to Valentine.
Act 4 - Scene 3: Silvia enlists Eglamour's help in escaping from Milan and seeking Valentine in Mantua.
Act 4 - Scene 4: Julia, still in her masculine disguise, has been employed by Proteus. Handing her the ring she previously gave to him, he instructs her to take it to Silvia. Unaware of the true identity of Proteus's messenger, Silvia expresses her sorrow and pity for Julia.
Act 5 - Scene 1: Eglamour and Silvia meet, as planned, at a friar's cell.
Act 5 - Scene 2: Thurio questions Proteus eagerly about Silvia's response to his suit. Julia, aside, gives a sarcastic commentary on their conversation. The duke arrives having gathered that Silvia has fled with Eglamour; he asks them all to join him in pursuing the fugitives.
Act 5 - Scene 3: Silvia is captured by the outlaws, who prepare to take her to their captain. Eglamour has managed to make his escape.
Act 5 - Scene 4: Valentine sits alone and melancholy in the forest. Proteus enters with Julia (still in disguise) and Silvia, whom he has rescued from the outlaws. When Silvia still refuses to accept his love, Proteus threatens to ravish her. Valentine leaps to Silvia's rescue and accuses Proteus of treachery. Proteus immediately begs his forgiveness and Valentine pardons him, offering to surrender Silvia to him. At this, Julia swoons and then reveals her true identity, berating Proteus for his fickleness. Conceding his inconstancy, Proteus observes that Julia is as attractive as Silvia. The outlaws now enter with two more captives: the duke and Thurio. When Valentine angrily warns his rival not to touch Silvia, Thurio swiftly renounces her. The duke is disgusted at Thurio's cowardice and offers Silvia to Valentine. Having requested and received pardons for all the outlaws, Valentine then leads them all back to Milan, planning a double wedding for the couples as he goes.
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Performance Details: An Unfinished Life
Project type: Cinematic film
Synopsis: A down on her luck woman, desperate to provide care for her daughter, moves in with her father in-law from whom she is estranged. Through time, they learn to forgive each other and heal old wounds. Set against the rugged ranchlands of Wyoming, this is the story of a modern-day Western family, as stoic as they are divided, learning the true meaning of forgiveness. Einar Gilkyson, a tough-skinned, retired rancher, long ago turned his back on memories. Still in shock from his only son's death a decade ago, Einar has let his ranch fall into ruin along with his marriage. Now, Einar spends his days caring only for his hired hand, and last trusted friend, Mitch, who was gravely injured in an encounter with a grizzly bear. Einar intends to live out his days in this heartbroken solitude ... until the very person he blames for his son's accident comes to town: his daughter-in-law Jean. Jean shows up broke, on the run and with a girl named Griff, who she swears is the granddaughter Einar never knew he had. Suddenly, Einar's quiet life is turned upside down as anger and accusations resurface. But slowly, miraculously, 11 year-old Griff's curiosity about Western life, and her longing for family and a father figure, begin to chip away at the stone that has become Einar's heart -- opening up the way for unexpected connection, adventure, mercy and true reunion.
Chronology: In production from April through June 2003. Released in cinemas in Holland on September 8, 2005; in the US (limited) on September 9, 2005; in the UK on June 16, 2006. Released in cinemas in Israel on September 15, 2005; Spain on October 14, 2005; Finland on November 4, 2005; Greece on November 17, 2005; Italy and Switzerland (Italian speaking region) on November 18, 2005; Germany on November 24, 2005; Austria on November 25, 2005; Portugal and Switzerland (German speaking region) on December 1, 2005; Sweden on December 2, 2005; the Philippines on December 7, 2005; the Netherlands on December 15, 2005; Denmark on December 25, 2005; France on January 4, 2006; South Africa on January 6, 2006; Argentina on January 12, 2006; Estonia on January 13, 2006; Belgium on January 18, 2006; Switzerland (French speaking region) on January 25, 2006; Thailand on January 26, 2006; Czech Republic on February 9, 2006; Egypt on February 15, 2006; Mexico and Poland on February 17, 2006; Singapore and Slovakia on March 2, 2006; Hungary on March 16, 2006; Brazil on March 17, 2006; Kuwait on March 29, 2006; Turkey on July 7, 2006; Slovenia on August 10, 2006; Venezuela on September 8, 2006. Released on region 1 DVD in the US on April 11, 2006. Released on region 2 DVD in Iceland on February 15, 2006. Released on region 2 DVD in Belgium on May 2, 2006.
Film Festivals & Other Special Screenings:
Awards & Nominations:
This production received the following awards:
This production received the following nominations:
Principal Cast & Crew: R. Nelson Brown as Rancher Kent; Sean J. Dory as Drunk Cowboy; Morgan Freeman as Mitch; Becca Gardner as Griff Gilkyson; P. Lynn Johnson as Shelter Supervisor; Damian Lewis as Gary Winston (character's name is Roy Winston in the novel); Jennifer Lopez as Jean Gilkyson; Josh Lucas as Sheriff Crane Curtis; Camryn Manheim as Nina; Robert Redford as Einar Gilkyson; Directed by Lasse Hallström; Written by Mark Spragg, Virginia Korus Spragg; Based on the novel by Mark Spragg.
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Performance Details: The Varieties Of Religious Experience
Project type: Stage play
Synopsis: One man traveling through New Jersey comes upon a down-on-his-luck man, Tommy, walking along a highway. Over drinks, Tommy tells the traveler his story: Tommy had been in a motorcycle accident, and he had nearly died on the operating table at the local hospital. In the hospital in traction, Tommy is visited by local police chief Richard Kane -- who describes the details of the accident based on Tommy's injuries -- and a therapist two whom Tommy describes his far-from-conventional near-death experience of meeting God. He then tells the traveler how the accident and the religious experience have altered his life -- in far-from conventional ways.
Chronology: Performed at the Old Vic Theatre, London, in June 2001 for the inaugural performance of "Old Vic / New Voices."
Principal Cast & Crew: Damian Lewis as Narrator / Richard Kane; Chiwetel Ejiofor as Tommy; Directed by Nina Raine. Written by Peter Morris.
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Performance Details: Warriors
Project type: Television film
Synopsis: Deployed as peacekeepers to war-ravaged Bosnia in 1992, United Nations Protection Force (UNPROFOR) soldiers are soon faced with the most demanding ethical and moral dilemmas -- whether to merely obey orders, stand by and watch the conflict, ethnic cleansing, brutality and slaughter, or to disobey orders and intervene. Once back in Britain, each officer is left with his own experiences of grief and alienation to contend with.
Chronology: Production began in February 1999. UK television premiere on BBC 1 in two parts on November 20-21, 1999. Presented on television (networks unknown) in Finland on August 26, 2000; France and Germany on Octoer 27, 2000; Sweden on July 23, 2001. US television premiere (under the alternate title Peacekeepers) on BBC America on February 16, 2002. Released on region 2 DVD (full-length 171-minute version) in France on March 21, 2001; on region 2 DVD (full-length 171-minute version) in Belgium on April 4, 2001; and on region 2 DVD (abridged 135-minute version) in The Netherlands on June 18, 2002.
Film Festivals & Other Special Screenings:
Awards & Nominations:
This production received the following awards:
This production received the following nominations:
Principal Cast & Crew: Will Adamsdale as Army Officer #1; Miki Avdic as Admir Alisic; Izudin Bajrovic as Boric; Amina Begovic as Mother (Sase); Enis Beslagic as Croat officer; Pedja Bjelac as Naser Zec; Heather Bleasdale as Mother (Supermarket); Sophie Bleasdale as Child (Supermarket); Zen David Bojic as Teenage Boy (Sase); Tony Broughton as Old Sochanik; Eithne Browne as Gloria Skeet; Jan Cajzl as Boy (in the pipe); Wayne Cater as Cook Attendant; Steve Chaplin as Pvt. Tommy Redmond; Greg Chisholm as Pvt. Martin Rook; Shaun Dooley as Pvt. John Hookway; Deirdre Doone as Mrs. Sochanik; Alena Filipovic as Young Muslim Woman; Nives Frenjo as Hajra Zec; Ian Gain as Company Sergeant Major; Ina Gogalova as Hanka; Ioan Gruffudd as Lt. John Feeley; Melanie Gutteridge as Lawyer; David Hart as Skeet's Nephew; Branka Katic as Almira Zec; Hana Kovacevic as Young Girl; Curt Kreimer as Mercenary; Damian Lewis as Lt. Neil Loughrey; Elizabeth Lovelady as Sandra Skeet; Cal Macaninch as Sgt. Andre Sochanik; Matthew MacFadyen as Pvt. Alan James; Suzanne Maddock as June; Vincent Maguire as Mr. Skeet; Linzi Matthews as Cheryl; Jodhi May as Emma; Ifan Meredith as Lt. Jonathan Engel; Fiona Mollison as Mrs. Loughrey; Darren Morfitt as Pvt. Peter Skeet; Zaim Muzaferija as Imam; Christopher Naylor as Army Officer #2; Nenad Ognjenovic as Croat Commander; Ryan Philpott as Police Officer; Joanne Reilly as Judy; Joe Renton as Cpl. Gary Sprague; Aleksandar Seksan as Croat Leader; Sheyla Shehovich as Minka; Simon Shepherd as Maj. "Brick" Stone; Jasmina Sijercic as Aida; Mirna Silajdzic as Injured Girl; Mirsad Tuka as Emir Alisic; Carsten Voigt as Rik Langrubber; Tom Ward as Capt. Richard Gurney; Pauline Yates as Gran; Directed by Peter Kosminsky; Written by Leigh Jackson.
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Scene-by-Scene Synopsis: It is August 1992, and in the UK, several young men are getting on with their lives. Brother-like best friends Pvt. Peter Skeet and Pvt. Alan James enjoy a football game at a local Liverpool pub, attend a surprise birthday party for Peter's younger sister, Sandra, and party all night long at a dance club where they make the acquaintance of some women -- a bride-to-be and a bridesmaid who are there for a bachelorette party. Elsewhere, Sgt. Andre Sochanik returns to his parents' farm for the funeral of his younger brother, who recently died in a tractor accident while working on the farm. At a military base, Lt. John Feeley is summoned by Maj. "Brick" Stone. And when John telephones his friend Lt. Neil Loughrey, it is revealed that all leaves have been cancelled -- the platoon is being sent on a mission. Neil is disheartened by the news, as he is -- or was -- about to get married to his girlfriend, Emma. Later that day, while Neil, Emma and Neil's mother sit about making wedding plans, Neil breaks the news to them that he has to leave for Yugoslavia (Bosnia) tomorrow. Emma is quite upset and scared. Neil tries to comfort her and reassure her that he'll be all right and they will get married, but it doesn't help. The morning after their night of all-night partying, Alan and Peter return to Peter's family's home to find a message that their leaves have been cancelled as well. Alan goes home to his grandmother and breaks the news to her. And when Peter tells Sandra, she tells Alan, who has returned to the Skeet home, to look after Peter for her.
The platoon arrives at Vitez. It is autumn 1992, and already there is snow on the ground and the air is frigid. The platoon is assembled at the base for a briefing and instructions. They are told by Capt. Richard Gurney: "We are here to make sure these people don't starve. Our mandate: We don't take sides. We don't move refugees. We are not here to start ethnic cleansing. We are not here to redraw the ethnic map of Bosnia. ... You are not allowed to fire unless your life is directly threatened." They are shown maps which are already out of date because the front lines constantly shift. To say this mission will be a challenge is a gross understatement.
A local woman soldier named Minka joins the platoon to serve as an interpreter. The platoon is given a mission to go find and rescue an injured Muslim boy. Checkpoint guards give them difficulty over passing through. In a village, the platoon comes upon a Muslim house where they get some information about the boy. They also learn that the family in this house has been ordered to evacuate immediately because the house is about to be burned down. The platoon can do nothing to stop the destruction, but they attempt to relocate the family. Langrubber, assigned to oversee their activities and report to their superiors, stops them, because this action would be considered ethnic cleansing, which is against orders. The platoon finds the boy by a nearby river. He is injured but alive. They rescue him. Back at the checkpoint, no guards are present. John takes it upon himself to move the mines in the road -- which are set up as a roadblock -- so they can pass. Back at the base, Gurney reprimands John for his actions at the checkpoint and also the attempt to relocate the Muslim family.
John and Peter find a telephone number clutched in the injured boy's hand. Minka calls it -- it is the boy's mother, who is in tears to know her son has been found and is alive and safe.
Neil and John set up quarters in a house and are invited to their Muslim neighbors' home for dinner that evening. But before that, another patrol. This time, they are deployed to a checkpoint where refugees are being transported and searched. Again, the platoon must stand by and watch without action as the soldiers manhandle the unfortunate people. One soldier tries to go too far with one young woman, and they intervene.
It is Christmas. Neil calls Emma on the telephone and learns that she is pregnant with his child. John tells Minka the news, and she is visibly bothered by it, as she and Neil have become quite close, perhaps a bit more than friends. The platoon throws a Christmas party for the local children. Alan and Peter call Sandra, while everyone else clamors to use the phones.
It's time for the dinner with the neighbors, but John must go alone as Neil is called back to the base. John meets Almira Zec, and later her husband Naser and daughter Hajra.
On a tank patrol in a village, the platoon comes upon some soldiers shooting in the streets. Peter, although seemingly safely inside one of the tanks, is shot and killed. Alan is devastated at the loss of his dearest friend. The whole platoon wants to take revenge, and they even know the house from which the fatal shots were fired. But again, their hands are tied. They cannot do this.
On a later tank patrol, the platoon is stopped by Serb soldiers at a checkpoint. They won't let them through until the next day, so the platoon camps out at the checkpoint overnight. In the morning, they are allowed to go through only with one truck, and the Serbs give them a time limit of 12 hours to go in and return. With these restrictions, they will only be able to rescue the most seriously wounded from among the thousands of refugees they are headed toward. But they have no choice, so they proceed as best they can. Upon reaching the refugees, they are mobbed and surrounded by them -- literally trapped by the desperate people. The people want to keep them there, fearing that the Serbs will attack if the platoon leaves. The platoon stays the night. Andre tells another interpreter that his mother, who lives with his father in Scotland, is Serbian.
In the morning, there is shelling. Back at the checkpoint, a Serb soldier tells Minka and Langrubber that it is not the Serbs doing the shelling, but that he thinks the Muslims are shelling themselves. In any case, it is pandemonium, panic, destruction and death. Gurney frantically orders the platoon to board the truck because they must withdraw, but the men are trying to help the wounded. Eventually, they board. Alan brings along a teenage boy, trying to rescue him, even though he has only minor abrasions and no serious injuries. Perhaps he reminds Alan of Peter. At the checkpoint, the Serbs demand to search the truck, where they find the teenage boy and remove him. Alan threatens them not to harm the boy, knowing full well -- as everyone on board the truck does -- that the boy will likely be killed.
It is now April 1993, and the platoon is in Ahmici. Part of the platoon, including Neil, visits this village and breaks bread with a Muslim family. Meanwhile, John and Almira witness Serb soldiers storming a house, strong-arming an elderly couple, looting their home and killing their dog. John attempts to intervene. The soldiers leave, and the couple is not physically harmed.
The next day, the tank patrol passes the same house, and John finds that the couple has been brutally murdered. Then, they discover a community that has been set ablaze. Among the burned buildings is the Muslim family home where Neil and the others had dined the night before. The entire family, including many small children, has been burned alive. Across the street, Neil sees a home that has not been touched amongst all of this destruction and death. He sees someone looking out a window. Furious that they did nothing while this family was burned to death, he tries to storm the house. He is unsuccessful. John goes over and tries to calm him. They both know they can do nothing to retaliate.
Back at the base, Neil calls Emma again. He is still quite distraught over what he witnessed that day, but he won't tell her about it out of fear of worrying her. He simply tells her he has had a rough day and that they had to do some cleaning up. She makes light of this, which does not help him.
Neil, Minka and several other platoon members gather for a game of basketball. Almira goes to visit John. Feelings are clearly growing between John and Almira, but they don't act on them. Feelings are also growing between Minka and Neil, and that night, they do act on them. John sees her leave their quarters in the morning, and he expresses his disapproval to Neil, who tosses John's own attentions toward the married Almira back in John's hypocritical face. John and Neil are ordered to move back to the base because Vitez will likely be under siege soon. Almira makes plans to evacuate her family as well. The platoon has orders to patrol Vitez around the clock. As for what happened in Ahmici, they are told "There's to be no guilt. We can't be everywhere."
They come upon a building full of refugees, many of them children. They begin trying to evacuate them. But Gurney orders them not to evacuate them since they are not injured. Neil is reprimanded for attempting the evacuation even though he followed orders and stopped it.
Almira and Hajra go to stay at the base upon John's invitation. He is concerned for the family's safety. Naser is out of town at the time.
One night, the platoon finds another hoard of refugees hiding not far from several burning buildings. This time, the men secretly defy orders and evacuate the people. That same night, Almira and Hajra return home for some more belongings.
The next day, the platoon passes near Almira's home. John sees smoke. They go there to find Almira and Hajra have been murdered.
The platoon is sent to a location where Croat soldiers are holding a truckload of 98 murdered bodies, and apparently one man in the truck is still alive. The Croat soldiers say the platoon can have that man if they go in and get him. Alan does. It is Naser, who is badly injured but alive. The Croats turn over the truckload, and the platoon buries all 98 bodies as properly as they can.
John, who was not part of that patrol, finds out about Naser and goes to see him at the overcrowded hospital. Naser already knows that his wife and daughter have been killed.
The six-month tour of duty is over, and everyone is sent home.
Back home, Alan and his grandmother go to the supermarket. Alan comes upon a woman scolding her young daughter, who is crying over something she wants her mother to buy for her. Alan tells the child that she has no reason to cry -- she still has her arms and legs. As a crowd gathers, he says he has seen people on fire, and that these people in the store don't know how lucky they are. The young girl's mother tells Alan's grandmother that she should keep him locked up.
Neil is tilling the soil in his back garden. Emma, now several months pregnant, calls to him, but he doesn't hear her over the loud noise of the tiller. And the noise takes his mind to the noise of the tanks in Bosnia. He can't shake it. Emma comes up behind him, which startles him, and he accidentally strikes her and knocks her down, dislocating her jaw. She is rushed to the hospital.
Alan and Sandra are at a football match. Once a diehard fan, football means nothing to him now. Back at the Skeet home, Mr. Skeet tells Alan that he and his platoon are heroes. Alan tells him it was crap what they did, leaving all those people to die.
At the hospital, police detectives come to speak with Neil about what happened. Neil explains that it was an accident. He also says it's hard to get excited about being a father when you feel so guilty for leaving all those people in that horrible situation. Emma will recover from her injuries, and the baby has been born -- a healthy boy. Neil holds his newborn son and cries.
Neil and Alan meet for coffee. Alan says he used to dream about playing football. Now, he dreams about walking on dead bodies. He can't even defrost a chicken anymore because of the feel of it and the smell of it.
John visits Emma. She asks John if he knew that Neil kept a diary. John wasn't aware. Emma throws it at him. She has read it, and Neil wrote about Minka in it. Emma asks John if Neil and Minka had had an affair. John says he doesn't know, and he tells her that Minka is dead (her Land Rover hit a mine). Emma screams that she doesn't want to know, and for John to keep his "filthy war" out of her house. She says Neil is a different person and she doesn't know him anymore. She thought reading the diary would help, but now she knows so much that she didn't want to know. ...
John meets with Neil at a pub and tells him about Minka's death. Neil weeps, but says he's not sure what he feels. He tells John he didn't love Minka -- he loves Emma. He also tells John that he feels guilty for coming back. John tells Neil that he's going back to Ireland where he used to be stationed.
Andre returns to work on his parents' farm, taking the place of is late brother. In a conversation with a fellow soldier, he mentions that Neil and Emma have gotten married.
On the base in Ireland, John attempts suicide. ...
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Performance Details: Will
Project type: Cinematic film
Synopsis: Eleven-year-old Will Brennan is the world's biggest Liverpool football fan. At his boys’ school in southern England, Will’s love and knowledge of the sport is all that sustains him. Then out of nowhere appears Will’s absentee father, Gareth, and with two tickets to the biggest match of the year: the 2005 Champions League Final in Istanbul. But before the two can begin their journey, Gareth dies suddenly. Determined to make the trip and honour his father's dream, Will runs away. En route, he encounters Alek, a former Yugoslavian football star who abandoned the game during his country’s civil war. Despite his initial reluctance to help, Alek finds himself inspired by Will’s heroic journey and helps him fulfil his dream.
Chronology: In production from early or mid-May 2010, filming on location in Liverpool and Kent in the UK, in Paris, France, at Istanbul's Atatürk Olympic Stadium and other locations in Turkey, and also at Elstree Studios in Hertfordshire, UK. Released in the US, UK, Germany and Italy in December 2010 (specific date(s) not yet announced). Released in Turkey in February 2011 (specific date not yet announced).
Principal Cast & Crew: Giles Alderson as TV Reporter; Ralph Amoussou as Serge; Charlotte Asprey as Julia DuBois; Ravi Aujla as Newsreader; Zina Badran as Abu Dhabian Newsreader; Freya Berry as _____; Jamie Carragher as Himself; Kenny Dalglish as Himself; Liz Daniels as Mrs. Osmanovic; Mark Dymond as Detective; Perry Eggelton as Will Brennan; Canan Erguder as Mina Bilic; Joe Ferrara as Mustafa; Neil Fitzmaurice as Fitzy; David Frost as Van Driver & Oil Rig Worker; Steven Gerrard as Himself; Lee Nicholas Harris as Oli Rig Worker; Bob Hoskins as Davey; Kristian Kiehling as Alek; Alice Krige as Sister Carmel; Damian Lewis as Gareth Brennan; Shaun Lucas as Pall Bearer; Jane March as Sister Noell; John May as Barney; Henry Monk as Wedding Waiter; Gino Picciano as Parisien Shopper; Mary Robinson as Nun; Suat Oktay Senocak as Tall Police; Mick Slaney as Pall Bearer; Rebekah Staton as Nancy; Malcolm Storry as Finch; Jim Sturgeon as Celt; Yesim Tomay as Edina Bilic; Branko Tomovic as Avdo Bilic; Kieran Wallbanks as Simon; Glenn Wrage as _____; Written by Ellen Perry and Zack Anderson; Directed by Ellen Perry.
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Performance Details: Your Highness
Project type: Cinematic film
Synopsis: Thadeous has spent his life watching his perfect older brother Fabious embark upon valiant journeys and win the hearts of his people. Tired of being passed over for adventure, adoration and the throne, he's settled for a life of wizard's weed, hard booze and easy maidens. But when Fabious' bride-to-be, Belladonna, gets kidnapped by the evil wizard Leezar, the king gives his deadbeat son an ultimatum: Man up and help rescue her or get cut off. Half-assedly embarking upon his first quest, Thadeous joins Fabious to trek across the perilous outlands and free the princess. Joined by Isabel -- an elusive warrior with a dangerous agenda of her own -- the brothers must vanquish horrific creatures and traitorous knights before they can reach Belladonna. If Thadeous can find his inner hero, he can help his brother prevent the destruction of his land. Stay a slacker, and not only does he die a coward, he gets front row seats to the dawn of an all-new Dark Ages.
Chronology: In production from July 20, 2009, until October 9, 2009, in Belfast, Northern Ireland, with filming taking place in Belfast’s The Paint Hall, in the Titanic Quarter of the city and on location in Northern Ireland. Released in cinemas in the US on April 8, 2011 (tentative date, subject to change). Released in cinemas in the UK on June 24, 2011 (tentative date, subject to change). (Additional release information for other countries not yet announced.)
Principal Cast & Crew: Amber Anderson as Maiden; Logan Bruce as Traveller; Charles Dance as King Tallious; Zooey Deschanel as Belladonna; Laurence Doherty as Minion; Michael Clarke Duncan as _____; Simon Farnaby as Mancunius the Bold; James Franco as Prince Fabious; John Fricker as Marteetee; David Garrick as Daronius the Swift; Caroline Grace-Cassidy as Handmaiden; Amii Grove as _____ (a temptress); Rasmus Hardiker as Courtney; B.J. Hogg as King's Advisor; Noah Huntley as Head Knight; Toby Jones as _____; Damian Lewis as _____ (the leader of a "dastardly pack of knights"); Danny McBride as Prince Thadeous; Natalie Portman as Princess Isabel; Brian Steele as _____; Rhian Sugden as _____ (a temptress); Justin Theroux as Leezar; Madison Welch as _____ (a temptress); Ben Wright as Dastardly Knight; Eva Wyrwal as Dwarf Queen; _____ as Adam*; _____ as Angry Villager*; _____ as Queen Anna*; _____ as Boremont; _____ as Buttlechaps (an elf)*; _____ as Captain*; _____ as Cinders*; _____ as Drewry*; _____ as Dwarf*; _____ as Elf*; _____ as 1st Place Elf*; _____ as Happy Elf*; _____ as Erosteroast*; _____ as Fairy Godmother (not Thadeous')*; _____ Thadeous' Fairy Godmother*; _____ as Guard 1*; _____ as Goatwoman*; _____ as The Great White Wizard*; _____ as Head One of Two-Headed Man*; _____ as Head Two of Two-Headed Man*; _____ as Julie*; _____ as Knight*; _____ as Burned Knight*; _____ as Older Knight*; _____ and _____ as The Brothers Mein*; _____ as Minotaur*; _____ as Page*; _____ as Scared Prisoner*; _____ as Royal Physician*; _____ as Sir Tate*; _____ as Thundarian*; _____ as Viking 2*; _____ as Viking 3*; _____ as Hooded Warlock*; _____ as Ye Olde Narrator*; Written by Danny McBride and Ben Best; Directed by David Gordon Green.
*Character included in an early draft of the script but may or may not be included in the actual film.
Links:
RETURN TO DAMIAN'S DOMINION: PERFORMANCE GUIDE
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