CULTURE
British premiere of “My Favourite Madman” by Elchin Afandiyev due in Tristan Bates Theatre
Baku, February 20 (AZERTAC). A premiere of the play “My Favourite Madman” by Azerbaijani writer Elchin Afandiyev, will run between 9-13th April 2013 at the Tristan Bates Theatre.
The performance will be presented by the ALOFF Theatre and AZICS (Azerbaijan Intercultural Society). Matthew Gould will direct the play, which was translated into English by Sanan Aliyev. The production will also feature the musical creations of Mamed Ansari.
My Favourite Madman, set in Baku city in 1995, is a roller coaster ride of anarchic fun. The farcical element of the different characters, all in their own reality of the abnormal and suicidal challenges the functioning of the whole. Which voice amongst the characters is that of the madman? Everyone could be “the madman” but natural that it is the one “sane” voice in the chaos of fantasy that is given the title.
ALOFF Theatre is a unique Theatre Company dedicated to identifying, translating and organizing the production of Azerbaijani plays for the benefit of UK audiences.
A cultural project of AZICS, ALOFF is the only theatrical group representing Azerbaijani Plays and Playwrights to Europe and also European works to the Azerbaijani audience.
AZICS (Azerbaijan Intercultural Society) is a not-for-profit organization based in London. It was founded in 2010 with the aim of providing an intercultural forum to promote Azerbaijani traditional and contemporary arts and culture.
AZICS aims to cultivate true understanding and appreciation of Azerbaijani culture, heritage and history through cultural, educational and social activities: to encourage mutual understating of all cultures.
Elchin Afandiyev is one of the most eminent exponents of contemporary Azerbaijani writing and critics today describe him as one of its living classics. His first novel was published at the age of 16 and his subsequent writing encompasses a broad field, ranging from Azerbaijani folklore and classical Eastern literature to the works of Shakespeare and Moliere. He has since had over 100 books translated into more than 20 languages, which have sold millions copies worldwide. He currently holds the position of Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan.