Programme Information

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Presented in partnership with Sheffield Theatres
Directed by Celine Lowenthal, Resident Assistant Director at Sheffield Theatres
Stacey Sampson, Sandy Batchelor & Ensemble 360 

BEETHOVEN Violin Sonata in A major Op.47 Kreutzer Sonata
JANÁČEK String Quartet No.1 Kreutzer Sonata

Based on Leo Tolstoy’s searing tale of a conversation on a train in which a man confesses to killing his wife while in a state of obsessively jealous rage, Laura Wade’s critically acclaimed play brings to the fore two voices that are not heard in the original novella – those of the violinist and the murdered woman. The immediacy of interwoven words and music amplifies the intensity of this bitter and tragic love-triangle to fever-pitch levels.

The wild elements of Beethoven’s Kreutzer Sonata immediately evoke the turbulent passion embedded in Tolstoy’s story, while Janáček’s portrayal of “the suffering of a woman, beaten and tortured to death” is evident in the composer’s tormented writing. This promises to be a riveting evening of musical and theatrical drama.

Running time: approx 2 hours 15 minutes (with interval)

**ACTORS CONFIRMED**

Sheffield actress Stacey Sampson (Channel 4’s This is England 88 and BBC’s Doctors) and actor Sandy Batchelor (Rise of the Krays) have been confirmed as starring in the play, directed by Celine Lowenthal, Resident Assistant Director at Sheffield Theatres. 

“Brilliant… This nimble, sensitive study of the impact of music was revelatory as well as enthralling.” Fiona Maddocks, The Observer

*A transaction fee of £1.50 (£1 online) applies to all bookings (excluding cash) made at Sheffield Theatres.

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