The Revenger’s Tragedy

Rebellious: Tom Mothersdale plays Vindice in The Revenger's Tragedy at Hoxton Hall

Suba Das is one of the country’s most influential directors, and this month sees his latest theatre piece, The Revenger’s Tragedy, come to Hackney.

A key element of the show is Das’s outreach programme, which aims to inspire young people with limited opportunities in the borough to become involved with the theatre.

Working closely with emerging East End director Stella Odunlami, Das takes a unique approach, bringing together a group of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to devise a response piece to the Jacobean drama.

He said: “I find that the emphasis on inviting young people to take part in things like after-show discussions and workshop groups unproductive and patronising.

“Young people are incredibly underestimated. They have an innate ability to understand complicated issues and to process such a large amount of information, and this is all too often overlooked.  The emphasis should be on showing them what they can achieve.”

Growing up on a council-estate in North East England, Das received a scholarship to attend an esteemed school at age 11, where he was encouraged by mentors to believe in the possibilities available to him. He now feels he should offer the same support he received.

He said: “It’s something I feel very passionate about. It’s about letting young people know that there are doors open to them. It’s about exposing their imagination to the possibilities.”

Das has certainly achieved a great deal himself, having become the youngest-ever resident director at the National Theatre, and receiving warm plaudits for productions of Othello and A Winter’s Tale.

The narrative of the Revenger’s Tragedy explores the rebellion of Vindice, played by Tom Mothersdale, who seeks justice after suspicion arises that a member of the ruling elite may be involved in the murder of his fiancée, Gloriana.

Das thinks that such classical texts can strike a chord and are ripe for connection with a diverse variety of people. The plot has echoes of last summer’s riots, with the murder of a family member sparking a revolt amongst the more disadvantaged people in society.

He said: “We shouldn’t undervalue people’s ability to understand some very significant ideas explored in these stories. They’re ageless and they remain relevant to lots of people’s lives.”

It’s being touted as “a collision of a classical masterpiece and a pop-infused stage spectacle.” Das has great hopes for the show, and is thrilled at the supporting cast and everyone involved with the production.

He said: “The range of craft, skill and artistry of people I’m working with is an inspiration.”

The Revenger’s Tragedy is regarded as the ultimate revenge tragedy. In Suba Das’s hands it will be ripped apart and renovated to create something savagely memorable.

The Revenger’s Tragedy runs from 10 October to 10 November at Hoxton Hall.