simple8 presents

TheFourStagesofCrueltyA new play based on the engravings ofWilliamHogarth

Written and directed byAdamBrace and Sebastian Armesto

simple8

A company possessing the skills, dedication and intelligence to create wonder

����� The Times“ ”

24 May - 24 June 2011 8.00pm (mat June 11 3.00pm)

TheFourStagesofCrueltyA new play based on the engravings ofWilliamHogarthWritten and directed byAdamBrace and Sebastian Armestowith simple8

1751. London is over-crowded. The morals are as loose as the womenand the crime as free as the gin. On the streets, prostitutes, footpadsand highwaymen coalesce with Dukes, Members of Parliament andanyone in between. All scrap for profit. All seek an escape from thedrudgery of life.

Somewhere near the bottom of this heap is an orphan named TomNero. Trapped in a brutal and compelling struggle to survive, hegrapples, hustles and kills to rise above the fate society has dealt him.

Following their acclaimed productions of Les Enfants du Paradis andThe Living Unknown Soldier, simple8 transports this story of wantoncruelty – as pertinent and as visceral as when Hogarth first scratchedit – to the London stage.

Praise for simple8:

Praise for Adam Brace:

simple8 presents

Box Officewww.arcolatheatre.com020 7503 1646

Tickets £15 (£11 concessions)

TEN10 first 10 performances £10(not available online)

May 25, 26, 28, 30June 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8

Pay What You Can Tuesdays

Arcola Theatre24 Ashwin Street, Dalston, London E8 3DL

simple8

To have made the swirl of passions so exciting and so moving, and on so bare a stage,is a true achievement

����� The Times“ ”Rivetingly intelligent

����� The Sunday Times“ ”

Sustainable Theatrewww.simple8.co.uk

Redraws the borders of your assumptions

����� Time Out“ ”