about us productions education contact support homepage
'

THE MEMORANDUM

the playPRESS RELEASE: The Memorandum by Vaclav Havel

In Communicado –
A modern day truth

An artificial language is introduced into an organisation to streamline communication. The result? A complete breakdown in communication. The unstoppable force of bureaucratic absurdity is captured in this riotous yet subtle comedy. A highly comic and rhythmic satire, The Memorandum looks at power games in the office and by extension the state, drawing frightening parallels between modern day Britain and communist Czechoslovakia 40 years ago.
In THE MEMORANDUM, Havel’s insight into communication theory gives rise to a deadly (and often hilarious) probing of the power structure of a society based on the interpretation of incomprehensible but sacred texts. New men come to power by imposing the use of a new language only they can manipulate and understand. The play concerns the tribulations of Josef Gross, the managing director of an organisation encumbered by a bureaucracy that is out of control. The introduction of an artificial language, Ptydepe, is supposed to streamline office communications, but only makes them worse. As the situation escalates, the organisation falls victim to a vicious circle where conformity is seen as the only source of refuge for the staff.
Vaclav Havel is one of the twentieth century’s leading playwrights. Long associated with the intellectual opposition to Stalinism in (the then) Czechoslovakia, to the extent of being imprisoned for his beliefs, he became President of the Independent Czech Republic. THE MEMORANDUM is his masterpiece. THE MEMORANDUM exemplifies Havel’s own assertion that the theatre is always about politics. That is not to say “political”, in the sense of supporting this or that ideology, but that it is concerned with examining the way in which human beings relate to each other by power, or the lack of it.

THE MEMORANDUM represents a continuum in Communicado’s artistic programming and development, building upon the highly successful and popular productions of Atholl Fugard’s A PLACE WITH THE PIGS, and Nicolai Erdmann’s THE SUICIDE. Communicado, Scotland’s multi-award-winning touring theatre company, aims to present world theatre of the highest quality. THE MEMORANDUM is directed by Gerda Stevenson and the cast of nine includes Gerry Mulgrew. The play will also feature a score by acclaimed composer William Sweeney. THE MEMORANDUM is produced by Communicado in association with Perth Theatre.


Listings Information:

Venue: Perth Theatre
Dates: Thursday 2nd – Sat 18th February
Times: 7.45pm, 2.30pm Saturday matinees, Thursday preview
Prices: £15.50 - £9.50 and concessions. Children £5.50 (Kids go free Tuesday to Thursday)
The show will then tour Scotland finishing at Gilmorehill G12 on March 12th.
Notes to Editors

detailsdetails
detailstour details
detailsbiographies

downloaddownload press release [55KB]
detailspress photo [1184x1683px]

top of page