Unclay
By T. F. Powys
Unclay is bagg theatre’s first commission, currently being developed by writer Michael Caines (see Artistic Associates).
About Unclay
Unclay is a novel by T. F. Powys, first published in 1931 and subsequently out of print for many years. An excellent new edition of Unclay has just been published by the Sundial Press - follow this link for details. Michael discovered a battered hardback copy in a second-hand bookshop in early 2007 and, realising he’d found something unique, gave it to bagg theatre Artistic Director, Laura, to read.
UNCLAY
Unclay was published in 1931 and is a peculiar novel set in an English village called Dodder. In the story, Death visits the village but mislays a piece of paper on which is written the names of the two inhabitants he is sent to ‘unclay’. Not knowing what to do, John Death takes a holiday in Dodder.
The village is peopled with eccentric English characters, such as the clergyman Mr Hayhoe, who puts his faith equally in the writings of the Bible and Jane Austen; Mr Solly, who is terrified of falling in love; Joe Bridle who is already in love; and his Aunt Sarah, who calmly believes herself to be a camel. Unclay is a unique piece of writing, a curious and humorous mix of fiction and fable, with an engrossing and suspenseful narrative, and fantastic theatrical potential.
A week of exploration through the Young Vic
Genesis Project
In January 2008, the Young Vic offered Laura and Michael the opportunity to spend a week developing the piece with five actors: Ashley Cook, Simon McCoy, Claire Redcliffe, Jonathan Trenchard and Louise White.
The week that followed was an intensive exploration of the book’s dramatic potential, culminating in a work-in-progress showing to an invited audience.
The feedback from actors and audience was positive and, inspired by the actors’ work, Michael is now working on a first draft of the adaptation.
We aim to run a second development workshop in 2009.
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