FIESTA Opens February 5 at Trafalgar Studio 2

The roar of the bullring and the smell of sweat & blood will fill the intimate Trafalgar Studio 2 with the world premiere of FIESTA, the passionate adaptation of Ernest Hemingway's first novel The Sun Also Rises, from TUESDAY 5 FEBRUARY 2013.

In a fiercely original theatrical experience, FIESTA will fuse live jazz performance and dynamic choreography into a play that sees the sensual beauty and the raw brutality of Hemingway's tale of love, loss and decadence.

FIESTA is based on one of the greatest novels of the twentieth century, Hemingway's The Sun Also Rises. American writer Jake, is one of "the lost generation" post WWI living a bohemian lifestyle in Paris in the 1920s with fellow expat novelist Robert Cohn, until the arrival of the irresistible Lady Brett Ashley throws their lives into turmoil. Jake's obsession with bullfighting takes them to Pamplona, Spain, to experience the testosterone fuelled world of bullfighting. In the sweltering heat of Spain they meet the beguiling bullfighter Romero and a violent spectacle unfolds.

The explosive jazz band, TRIO FAROUCHE, perform live in FIESTA alongside a hot young cast: GIDEON TURNER as Jake (RNT's Arcadia, Donmar's Don Juan, Edward II & King Lear, Laertes in Hamlet and Mercutio in Romeo & Juliet both for the RSC); Jye Frasca as Robert (Wicked, Frankie Valli in Jersey Boys), JOSIE TAYLOR as Brett (the Royal Court's My Name is Rachel Corrie, Doctor Who, Tamara Drewe) and JACK HOLDEN as Romero - who has just finished playing the lead role, Albert, in War Horse. The jazz trio, TRIO FAROUCHE consists of PAUL SILVA (sax), T. DANIEL HOWARD (drums) and PHIL POLECAT (bass), perform in jazz clubs and music festivals worldwide. The music performed by TRIO FAROUCHE throughout FIESTA will be a fusion of new compositions, including Brett and Jake's Song and Romero's Dance, and improvisation responding to the psychology of the characters. The kinetic energy between cast and musicians erupts in Spain with the actors becoming saturated with red wine as it spills from the set - capturing the passionate spirit of Pamplona's Fiesta.

Adapted by ALEX HELFRECHT and SAM SNAPE, FIESTA is also directed by ALEX. Her theatre and film work includes 1800 Acres at the Riverside Studios and the critically acclaimed short film Battle for Britain - her first feature film based on György Dragoman's multiple award winning novel, The White King, will shoot in Spring 2014 on location in Detroit and Europe. FIESTA is produced by PHILIP MUNGER, JÖRG TITTEL (2+2+2 at the King's Head Theatre starring Richard E. Grant) and George Warren; set design by RACHEL NOEL (Secret Cinema) and choreography by SONJA PERRETEN, who trained at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center and is currently working at the Royal Opera House. FIESTA is sponsored by HAYWARD LUXURY and BOYD'S BRASSERIE.

FIESTA will bring rhythmic fervour to the TRAFALGAR STUDIO 2 - and the fiesta will continue post show in the Bar at the Trafalgar Studios to the sounds of TRIO FAROUCHE!

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