THE COLLABORATORS : An NTL Limited Engagement

Playing on select movie screens this weekend is a live recording of the National theatre of Great Britain’s 2011 stage production of ” The Collaborators ” written by John Hodge ( SHALLOW GRAVE ). This play is set in Moscow in 1938 as playwright Mikhail Bulgakov ( Alex Jenning ) is enlisted by the Soviet Secret Police ( headed by an agent played by Mark Addy of  THE FULL MONTY and TV’s ” Still Standing” ) to write a play chronicling the young life of Joseph Stalin (  Simon Russell Beale ). Mikhail is reluctant, but begins work after his wife is threatened and his new play on Moliare is shut down. Things become even more complicated when Stalin decides to write the play himself as he gives Mikhail the task of handling some of his administrative duties. Director Nicholas Hytner stages the production as theatre-in-the-round as the action occurs in three main areas connected by ramps ans surrounded by the audience. Lightning effects and background music help to heighten the drama.

THE COLLABORATORS plays at St. Louis’s Tivoli Theatre on December 24 at 11 AM. For more information go to   landmarktheatres.com or nationaltheatre.org/UK