Swindon playwright Matt Fox will be travelling back to USA in April to catch the final performances of a 3 week run of his play Family Play at the Shelton Theatre, San Francisco.
Matt has had plays produced all over the UK, including the West End, plus Australia, Canada and other parts of the US; but this is the first long run he’s had across the pond and an exciting opportunity to really try out his work on an American audience.
Matt said: "I’ve always been fascinated with America, ever since I can remember, and California has been a particular draw for me due to its importance as a centre for film and art. I went over to LA and San Francisco in September, and as part of the trip had an opportunity to meet a number of theatres, including the Shelton.
"I’m thrilled that following this trip they’ve asked to produce Family Play, which is my personal favourite of all my plays, but one which has divided British audiences in the past; due to its difficult subject matter and unconventional structure."
Family Play takes the idea of how a family should be structured and turns it on its head. Told through the eyes of a worldly-wise 8 year old, Family Play reveals the comedy and tragedy associated with all human relationships.
Never shy to deconstruct a dramatic world, Fox deals with the real and surreal in equal measure to reveal the subjectivity of truth behind all family units.
Matt Fox
Matt continued: "I original wrote the piece for my daughter Poppy who asked me to write her a play. Not wanting to write a children’s piece, I instead wrote Family Play, which is anything but a family friendly show. Poppy actually starred in the original production which toured the UK in 2016."
Fox started writing for the theatre as a teenager when he joined a writer’s group at Plymouth Theatre Royal. Following a degree in English and an MA in Professional Writing he started to write, produce and direct theatrical productions.
He has written plays, operas and musical adaptations which have been performed in the UK, US and Australia. His play 'To Sleep' was staged in the West End in September 2013 and toured the UK & Australia in 2014/15.
His best known piece of work is Swindon: the Opera, which was written with internationally acclaimed composer Betty Roe MBE, and performed in July 2012. Matt’s work is published by Roister Doister Publishing Ltd and Off The Wall Plays in the UK, and JD Drama Publishing in the USA.
Originally from Plymouth, Matt moved to Swindon in 2006. He is a trustee for music education charity the JTPTrust, Director of the Swindon Fringe Festival and co-director of Madam Renards Ltd.
Family Play will run at the Shelton Theatre, San Francisco from the 6 – 22 April.
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