Fram

a new play by Tony Harrison

'A madcap but exuberant debate on idealism in a cold climate. Abundant theatricality... high quality performances.' Guardian

‘FOUR STARS: Richly operatic, full of scene painting, music and dance... Exceptional set design from Bob Crowley... as visually resplendent a piece of theatre as you will see all year.’ Sunday Times

This epic sweep of a play takes us from a contemporary Westminster Abbey to the Arctic ship Fram – or Forward – specially built by the famous Norwegian explorer Fridtjof Nansen who, with his suicidal companion, Johansen, makes a bid on foot for the North Pole in the 1890s. Though incompatible, they share a bear fur sleeping-bag through the long winter. Nansen, still haunted by Johansen’s ghost, is appointed to the League of Nations. As a figurehead of Russian famine relief in 1922, he conducts the first celebrity campaign, searching for means, however shocking, to make people care.

A major new work by Britain’s foremost theatre poet, Tony Harrison, whose many plays for the NT include The Oresteia and The Trackers of Oxyrhynchus. Plans to film his poem v. caused tabloid outrage in 1987 at its use of 'four-letter filth' and a public debate ensued, ensuring record viewing figures for poetry on television.

Tony Harrison has collaborated with an exceptional creative team to bring Fram to the stage. Director and Tony award-winner Bob Crowley's epic designs evoke locations from the Arctic wilderness to the Bolshoi Theatre.  Viviana Durante, celebrated former principal ballerina at the Royal Ballet Company, dances a piece created by acclaimed choreographer Wayne McGregor, of Random Dance.

EXCLUSIVE BEHIND-THE-SCENES VIDEOS
Follow Fram's journey to the stage!
Video 1: Tony Harrison on his inspiration for Fram
Video 2: Costume inspiration
Video 3: Kurdish protestor
Video 4: Making masks
Video 5: Nansen and refugees
Video 6: Final preparations for the first performance

10 April – 22 May
World Premiere