“The future doesn’t exist anymore Atlanta. Everything is in the past and will stay there.”

Written and Directed by Harry Daisley

Banham Theatre, Leeds

Oct 2022

Solomon and Atlanta

Solomon and Atlanta’ is a ‘cut-of-life’, biographic play that seeks to capture the tragedy of the closet and the regrets of age, reminding us of what a miracle and what a heartbreak it is to fall in love, even just once.

It’s 1976. Summer. For seventeen-year-olds Solomon and Atlanta, university entrance exams are imminent and it won’t be long before they venture into the world as young adults. And when everything seems fixed and the future decided, the unexpected happens. The paths of the two young strangers collide and explode into a forbidden romance that lasts all summer long. Romance blossoms into love and they don’t know it yet, but these moments they share are the happiest they’ll ever have.

But when Autumn comes around, the paths of Solomon and Atlanta must diverge. Twelve years pass and the once-cherished moments become blurry memories. That is until Solomon writes to Atlanta, asking to meet without explanation. And so, in a small Italian bistro, the pair collide once more. They talk, they remember, but things are different- time has made its mark. “I am sick”, Solomon tells Atlanta, “and I am not getting better.” With those words uttered, Solomon and Atlanta seek refuge in their happiest times, the memories left behind- they return to the summer of 1974.

Solomon and Atlanta’ is a 4-person, one act play that explores the themes of time and memory as a means to untangle the significance of our adolescence. This is paired with the running motif of an enduring romance, strained by pressures of regret, shame and desire.

Writer & Director - Harry Daisley Assistant Director - Izzy Baites Producer & Designer - Saffy Wehren Assistant Producer - Phoebe Sanders Shadow Director - Misia Kozanecka Shadow Producer - Jan Endreson

Storyteller - Evan Harris Atlanta - Matthew Dangerfield Solomon - Morgan King Tracy / Betty - Maddy Swindells

Photos courtesy of Abby Swain

Previous
Previous

All is Pink in West Berkshire County

Next
Next

Father, Protect!