Six Degrees of Separation - Old Vic
Since the play popularised the theory in the 1990s there has been a
widely held belief that everyone on the planet can be linked to anyone
else in sex steps or less. Often this is demonstrated by linking any
well known performer to actor Kevin Bacon, but it is said to work for
everyone.
The play was “Six Degrees of Separation”, which was seen in both Britain
and in America in the early 90s and landed a Laurence Olivier Award
along the way, before its popularity was cemented by the 1993 movie of
the same name, which teamed up Will Smith, Sir Ian Mckellen and Donald
Sutherland.
The play’s premiere took place at the Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater (sic),
Lincoln Center, which great acclaim carrying it to big success. As a
result it was able to transfer to Broadway and wow audiences further at
the Beaumont Theater (sic). Audiences were captivated by the story and
before long a West End version of the show became inevitable, landing on
the stage of the Royal Court Theatre to further acclaim, followed by the
honour of receiving a Laurence Olivier Award. In addition to this award,
the show also received a New York Drama Desk Award and nominations for a
Tony Award for Best Play, a Pullitzer Prize for Drama and a Drama Desk
Award for Outstanding New Play.
So if you have ever wondered how closely linked you are to any well
known person in the world then this play might be the one for you as it
appears at the Old Vic from January 2010. It tells the true story of a
con artist who manages to win his way into the home of a wealthy
Manhattan couple.
In real life his name was David Hampton and his story is dramatised in
John Guare’s play which sees him charm his way into the household of the
Kittredge’s, a wealthy and sophisticated couple who work as art dealers
in a rich area of New York. He informs them that not only is he the son
of screen icon Sidney Poitier, he is also a friend of the couple’s son
from college. They accept the story and invite him into their home – but
who is this man really, how long will they be fooled by his story and
what could the consequences be?
So when the show arrives at the Old Vic in 2010 it is certain to be a
great success and with direction from the renowned David Grindley, it is
likely to be well received by audiences. The Broadway director is well
known for taking the helm of shoes such as “The American Plan”,
“Pygmalion” and “The Philanthropist”.
“Six Degrees of Separation” appears at the Old Vic from Tuesday 19th
January 2010 to Saturday 3rd April 2010.