The danger lies not in machine becoming more like man but in man becoming more like machine.
Like a giant graphic novel burst into life, Golem is theatre company 1927's multi-award-winning dystopian fable about our over-reliance on machines. A dark and fantastical tale of an extraordinary ordinary man, it is a vivid mix of handmade animation, sly wit, live music, storytelling and performance.
Dissecting the present and looking to the future, Golem is a parable for our times that cleverly and satirically explores one of the great questions of the modern world - who or what is in control of our technologies?
Created by Margate- and London-based theatre company 1927, Golem had its world premiere at the Salzburg Festival, Austria, in August 2014. Written and directed by Suzanne Andrade, it is a synchronised fusion of handcrafted animation by Paul Barritt entwined with live performance from 1927's ensemble of performers, alongside a live and recorded score composed by Lillian Henley. Acclaimed by audiences and critics alike since its UK premiere at London's Young Vic Theatre in December 2014, Golem has, over three and half years, been performed over 315 times, touring across the UK and internationally to 16 countries across five continents, including seasons in Taiwan, France, Russia, China, Switzerland, Spain, Australia, Italy, USA, Denmark, Portugal, South Korea, Luxembourg, Columbia and Kazakhstan.
Golem was created as a 1927, Salzburg Festival, Theatre de la Ville Paris & Young Vic co-production with development support from Harrogate Theatre, Stratford Circus and The Old Market. 1927 was supported by The Space to film Golem in 2018 at artsdepot, London.
If you are a fan of thought-provoking narratives and high-quality dramatic performances, then Screen Two, a seminal British television anthology series, deserves a spot on your watchlist. Airing from 1985 to 1998 on BBC2, this series brought forth an array of standalone dramas that captured the essence of human experiences through its innovative storytelling. As a spiritual successor to the beloved Play for Today, Screen Two marked a significant shift in how stories were told on British television. Each episode is crafted as a cinematic gem, filmed entirely on location rather than confined to studio sets, allowing viewers to immerse themselves fully in each narrative.
One of the standout features of Screen Two is its commitment to quality over quantity. With 15 seasons comprising 168 episodes, each installment offers a distinct tale that reflects varied aspects of life in Britain during its time. The first episode sets the tone for what’s to come: depicting a gritty encounter between British soldiers and civilians at the Northern Irish border—an intense opening that resonates with historical context and social commentary. This approach not only engages viewers but also encourages them to reflect upon societal issues through the lens of drama.
The anthology format means that you can jump into any episode without needing prior context about previous installments. This accessibility makes Screen Two perfect for binge-watching or casual viewing alike; whether you have an hour or an evening free, there’s something here for everyone. Fans of other acclaimed shows like BBC Drama, On the Edge (2018), or even theater-inspired pieces like Great British Theatre will find comfort in familiar themes while discovering new dimensions in storytelling through this series.