May 13, 2008

Burmese story comes to Hebden Bridge

The inspirational story of Burmese leader and Nobel Peace Prize holder Aung San Suu Kyi is to be told in a compelling solo performance during this summer’s Hebden Bridge Arts Festival.

Despite being head of the democratically-elected political party, Suu Kyi has been kept under house arrest by Burma’s military junta for more than a decade.

“This extraordinary performance has already had sell-out runs at the Edinburgh Festival and the Old Vic in London,” said Festival Co-ordinator Rebecca Yorke. “Regardless of what you know about Burmese politics, this show is an unmissable hymn to the power of the human spirit in the quest for freedom. We’re delighted to have such a fantastic production here for the Festival – especially given Burma’s current tragedy.”

Reviewing The Lady of Burma, performed by Liana Mau Tan Gould, The Independent said: “Rarely is a show so powerful.”

Postal booking for the 40-plus performances and workshops is now open. The box office on Albert Street opens on June 14.

The 2008 Festival runs from Friday, June 27 to Sunday, July 13.

If you’d like to be kept in touch with what’s planned, e-mail hbfestival@gmail.com or visit www.hebdenbridge.co.uk/festival.