THEATRE CRYPTIC

SIZE OF COMPANY
Varies

SCALE OF VENUE
Small-, middle- and large-scale

PERMANENT STAFF
Producer
Claire Moran

Artistic Director
Cathie Boyd

Administrator
Anna Birkett

ARTISTIC POLICY
Award-winning Theatre Cryptic was created in Scotland in 1994 by Artistic Director Cathie Boyd. Its multi-media productions have established a global reputation, with each production aiming to ravish the senses. The company has commissioned and collaborated with many internationally acclaimed composers and artists including Gavin Bryars, Joby Talbot, Daniel Danis and the Latvian Radio Choir. The company has been invited to perform at various festivals including Iberoamericano Festival, Colombia, BITE at the Barbican, London and the Edinburgh International Festival.

REVIEW EXTRACTS
‘Flashes of inspired synchronicity that fired the senses into overdrive, even euphoria.’ The Scotsman (Optical Identity)

‘Thrilling and fast-paced… lush and strident.’ The Straits Times

‘A gorgeous soundscape… hypnotic… intoxicating… this superb piece of performance art.’ Vancouver Sun (Each…and Every Inch)

CURRENT PRODUCTIONS
Optical Identity A ravishing musical journey which combines contemporary live music from across the globe with sculptural sets, fashion design and film. Composers include Kevin Volans and Joby Talbot. (70 mins, no interval, 5 on stage, 11 on the road.)

The Paper Nautilus A sumptuously staged cantata exploring the deep sea and the wonders of bioluminescence. Composed by Gavin Bryars with text by Jackie Kay and Etel Adnan. (70 mins, no interval, 10 on stage, between 8 and 18 on the road depending on involvement by local professional musicians.)

Apocalypse … the seven angels A disturbing multi-media performance with six local performers. Solo trumpet performed by the principal trumpet of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra with live interactive visuals. (45 mins, no interval, 7 on stage, between 6 and 11 on the road depending on involvement by local trumpet players.)

Each…and Every Inch An intimate site-specific performance giving an insight into Canadian author Elizabeth Smart’s extraordinary life, discovering her passionate fantasies, obsessions, secrets, jealousy, and gardening madness. Includes a cello duet and 3D video. (Promenade work with installations, average journey time 80 mins, 3 on stage, 8 on the road.)

FUTURE PRODUCTIONS
An Ocean of Rain An Opera with libretto by Daniel Danis and score by Yannis Kyriakides. Premièring at the Rotterdamse Schouwberg followed by performances at Aldeburgh Festival (June 2008), Almeida Theatre, London and a European tour in autumn 2008. Co produced by Theatre Cryptic, Ensemble MAE, Aldeburgh Almeida Opera and the Rotterdamse Schouwberg (11 on stage, between 10 and 16 on the road depending on involvement by local musicians.)

The Adoption Papers A radiophonic adaptation of Jackie Kay’s Adoption Papers, directed by Cathie Boyd and composed by Anthea Haddow for 24+1 (Rescue Kit for Radio led by Dutch artist Ward Weis). 24+1 will be launched in 2008.

WRAP-AROUND
Associated talks can be arranged for all of the performances, plus workshops focusing on technology in performance, vocal work and movement workshops for musicians.

RECENT INTERNATIONAL WORK
2007 Canada (Each…and Every Inch), Singapore, Spain (Optical Identity)

TOURING AVAILABILITY
Details on request