Showing @ Scottish Storytelling Centre, Wed 6 – Sat 9 Jun
The real life protagonist of this play, Wojtek, was found in Syria by Polish soldiers and drafted into the military as a Private. He helped the soldiers of the 22nd Artillery Supply Company of the Polish II Corps by moving ammunition, while smoking and drinking beer in his spare time. Wojtek was also a bear.
Based on the true tale of this bear’s life, writer Raymond Raszkowski Ross documents this remarkable story as though Wojtek was human. Already having human attributes, he wanted to use ‘An actor. No bear mask. No bear costume. The bear himself.’ Joining forces with director Corinne Harris, and with a small cast of just three, they tell the story of one man and his friend as they journey through World War II, beginning in Poland and ending in Scotland. Exploring the longing for love, equality and understanding, this story looks to tell an unrivalled tale of compassion and friendship. Wojtek the Bear lived at Edinburgh Zoo, where he died in 1963, so it seems only fitting that this production has been kept local. With performances by James Sutherland, John McColl and Sue Muir, this looks set to be a refreshed production from Theatre Objektiv.