Icarian setting for acclaimed play - 01/01/1970

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A 'HAUNTINGLY beautiful adaptation' of an Oscar Wilde play is heading for Manx shores as part of a nationwide tour.

STRUGGLE WITH THE SOUL: A scene from Oscar Wilde's 'hauntingly beautiful' play heading for the Isle of Man as part of a national tour
The Found Theatre company is performing The Fisherman and his Soul at the Studio Theatre, Ballakermeen High School, Douglas.

Adaptor and director Simon Corble, along with three actors, spent a fortnight on the Greek island of Ikaria to work on the script, rehearse and research.

'We worked in some truly amazing locations and it changed the way we felt about the story,' explained Simon.

The play, which has an emphasis on simplicity, has been in development since September 2004 and in its first tour was well received by audiences across the North of England.

The props and set are made from objects that were found in Ikaria, and in the streets and recycling bins of Manchester, where the company is based.

It has been described as 'a hauntingly beautiful adaptation' by performing arts newspaper The Stage.

The play, set in the mythical past on a Greek island, concerns the struggle between a young fisherman, his soul, a jealous young witch and a troubled priest.

Found will put on matinee performances for schools from September 19 to 21.

Public performances are on September 21 and 22 at 8pm. Tickets are on sale now from the Villa Marina and Gaiety Theatre box office on 694555 at a cost of £10, or £8 for students and OAPs.