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 Basel's English Language Theatre Group
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Welcome to Semi-CircleThe English Language Theatre Group |
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Semi-Circle is a non-profit English language theatre group, based in Basel. Founded in 1975, we operate entirely with volunteers, staging two productions every year - usually in June and November. We also hold monthly Play Readings. It is our aim to bring to life on stage dramatic works in the English language. Scroll down for links if you would like to join us and/or support us.
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Semi-Circle's Autumn Production 2016
Performance dates: 17, 18, 19, 24, 25 and 26 November Venue: Theater Arlecchino Walkeweg 1224052 Basel Two one-act plays to give you the full range from tragedy to comedy, and everything in between! Tickets go on sale October 2016 |
"The Zoo Story” by Edward Albee Director: Richard Brown Cast: Peter - Scott Holland Jerry - Luca Manganelli Synopsis: Peter, a respectable publishing professional, is spending Sunday afternoon reading his book in New York’s Central Park. A disheveled Jerry, who wants to tell Peter about his trip to the zoo, disturbs the peace and tranquility. Peter is too polite to dismiss Jerry and begins to get drawn into his stories, whose outward brashness overlays some more profound questions and insights into Peter’s life. Jerry and Peter become playful but this soon descends into a dark and intense conflict over the right to sit on the park bench. This one act play is an American classic which was first performed in the USA in 1960. It highlights problems within western society that are still relevant today. (http://www.samuelfrench-london.co.uk/p/12008/zoo-storythe ) |
“Alas, poor Fred" by James Saunders. Director: Stephanie Feddern Cast: Ethel - Cathy Barker Ernest - Edward Atkinson Synopsis: A couple gradually leads the audience deep into the dottiness of commonplace lives. The play begins with a peaceful armchair conversation between Ernest Pringle and his wife Ethel, who are chatting about how funny it must be to get cut in half, as Fred was. Instead of treating the subject of violent death as it would be treated in a conventional thriller, Saunders places the murder in the distant past and shows us two conventional people talking about it as if it didn't interest them all that much - which, as the story unfolds, is clearly not the case at all. First presented in 1959, this play put James Saunders on the road to becoming one of the leading British exponents of the "Theatre of the Absurd". (http://www.jamessaunders.org/jsalaspf.htm ) |
From Bram Stoker's world-famous novel, as adapted by William McNulty. Director Luca Manganelli: "I wanted to create a horror atmosphere but with a strong visual impact: aesthetically rich and striking, where horror and beauty combine." Performances in June 2016 at the Rampe Theater, were played to a full house every night.
| Rehearsal Photos by Davide Germano (click on image to enlarge):
Producer Sue Newstead and Director Luca Manganelli were interviewed on The English Show on local Radio X. Links below:
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Congratulations to the Syrinx cast and crew who represented Semi-Circle at FEATS 2016 in Brussels in May!
Since their performance in November 2015 in the Semi-Circle evening of one-act plays True Colours, the group made the production of Syrinx by Kate Mosse even more engaging and impressive. The play is set in the office of a school principal who is about to retire. She sets out to bring closure to a fatal episode from the past, involving one of her students.
The FEATS adjudicator described the performers as four very strong experienced actresses. Rita Felder received special mention as an engaging actress. Zuzana Cox was nominated for Best Actress, her opening monologue being described as ‘very powerful’. The adjudicator commented on the lovely live flute playing by Sylvia Bach, and on the impressive quality of her musicianship in singing the closing ‘Lacrimosa’. |
The Syrinx cast and crew were:
Director: Christine Archer Cast (from L to R in photo): Sylvia Bach (musician), Zuzana Cox (Marion), Diana Zuger (Julie), Rita Felder (Sarah), Liz Shaw (Susan) Crew: Susan Aeschbach, Jonathan Apted, David Cox, Kirsten Gräser, Tibor Gyalog, Berndt Reiss, Clare Austin (who filled in when Kirsten was taken ill - thanks!).
In addition, at the FEATS Fringe David Laurie and Stephanie Feddern gave a strong performance of David Ives’ Sure Thing. In this one-act comedy a couple meeting for the first time try to navigate through the maze of wrong things to say. From their laughter, the audience appreciated the looping conversation-openers the characters adopt to finally succeed in going out on a date. Thanks to Susan Aeschbach for stepping in to ring the bell!
Sincere thanks and congratulations to everyone from Semi-Circle who participated and represented the Club at FEATS 2016!
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Pictures from Semi-Circle's 2015 Productions, 'True Colours' and 'Entertaining Angels':
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Join us | Sign-up for news | Make a donation |
It is easy to become a member of the Semi-Circle. All ages, genders and nationalities welcome. We ask only for your enthusiasm and a love of theatre. Annual membership fees: Individual: CHF 50 Family: CHF 75 Student: CHF 20 | We rely almost entirely on membership subscriptions and profits from our productions to cover our costs, so donations are always welcome. Click here for more information.
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