Emma Rice, in conversation with Richard Wolinsky.
Emma Rice is the Artistic Director of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London and director/co-adaptor of “946: The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips,” a Kneehigh production running at Berkeley Rep through January 15th. For several years, Emma served as Artistic Director of Kneehigh, where she was also director of several shows that came through Berkeley Rep, including “Tristan and Yseult,” “The Wild Bride,” and “Brief Encounter.” Her work is known internationally for its unconventional story-telling and staging.
“The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips,” based on a popular children’s book by Michael Murpurgo, who joined with Emma in co-adapting his story, tells of a girl named Lily in 1944 and her search for her missing cat in an English village overrun with American soldiers preparing for the D-Day invasion. “946” refers to a tragic event that actually happened in the seas off Slapton and was excised from history for fifty years.
The play features original songs and music, and puppetry, and dancing. A slightly shorter version of the interview is heard on KPFA’s Arts-Waves program on December 19th. This interview was recorded on-site at Berkeley Repertory Theater in Berkeley.