UEA Drama Soc Presents: Rope

It is Dramasoc’s last production of the year! Whether you’ve meant to get round to seeing one all year (or all six), you’re interested in the real consequences of murdering your course mates, or, you know, you like theatre, buy a ticket for Rope. It’s on this week.

The Tab: Can you sum up Rope for us?

Sam Holland (Director): Basically, it’s about two students who murder another undergraduate, stuff the body into a chest and invite his family and friends over to eat off it. It’s dark, macabre and funny. Detective meets thriller, but with students and drunken shenanigans. And it’s based on a true story.

The Tab: What made you choose Rope?

Sam: It’s all about these students committing heinous crimes so it’s perfect to stage at uni. Your average Friday night with a little bit of murder thrown in. I first read the play because I loved the Hitchcock film. Don’t go expecting the Hitchcock version though – the play’s set in 1920s London.

It’s also ideal for the space, room 1.28. We’re staging it so the audience is going to be right in the thick of the action, guests at the party but privy to more information.

The Tab: So what’s the cast been like and how have rehearsals been going?

Sam: The cast have been great and I think people will be surprised by some of the performances. We’ve got eight talented actors, some of whom really haven’t been involved in many UEA productions before. They’ve all invested a lot in the show, coming to rehearsals with their own ideas so it’s actually been kind of a collaboration.

I’m a third year English student, but I’ve done a fair bit with Dramasoc and this’ll be my last production. Directing has been a bit frightening, but it’s such a great send off and the show’s looking really good.

The Tab: Why should UEA students come to see Rope?

Sam: It’s about and for students, although it’s accessible to anyone. There’s a lot in it about teaching gone too far, taking a lecturer’s words too literally, the pitfalls of murdering people in the name of social superiority… It’s a dark detective thriller, but it’s very funny in places.

  Whilst hopefully not too relatable for the everyday undergrad, Rope promises some of UEA’s top quality theatre for student-friendly prices: £6/£4(NUS).

Rope will be performed Wednesday 15^th – Friday 17^th this week in Union House 1.28.

Tickets are available through UEA Box Office: http://www.ueaticketbookings.co.uk/events/rope-presented-by-uea-drama-soc.aspx