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Theatre
Blackwatch
May 24-June 1, 2008
Avg. Event Rating (5.0 Stars):
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Review/Comment
In the autumn of 2004, 800 members of the storied Scots regiment, the Black Watch, shipped out for Iraq. Their mission: to replace 4,000 American Marines. The story of their experience is told in this shattering play, inspired by interviews with members of the regiment upon their return to Scotland. Brilliantly utilizing sound, lighting, and video, spoken word, tightly choreographed movement, and searing stagecraft, Black Watch engulfs the audience in the experience of the war—and ushers us into the hearts of the young men who willingly went, valiantly fought, and returned to sort out the aftermath of the war on terror.
Premiered at the 2006 Edinburgh Festival, Black Watch drew an overwhelming critical response, sweeping theater awards in the United Kingdom, and then played New York and Los Angeles to a chorus of praise.
Now Virginia Arts Festival patrons can see this unforgettable work of theater. On the floor of the Scope Arena, you will be seated within striking distance of the action on the stage— and as part of an intimate audience, you will discover what critics have called a "landmark cultural event of the 21st century" (Sunday Herald, Scotland).
Patron advisory: Black Watch contains profanity, strong language, loud explosions, and strobe lighting. Not recommended for children under 16.
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Ticket Info
Tickets: Tickets starting at $20
Info Phone: 757-282-2822
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Dates & Times
Dates:
May 24-June 1, 2008Times:
Sat, May 24, 8:00 pm
Sun, May 25, 2:00 pm & 7:30 pm
May 27 - 28, 7:30 pm
Thur, May 29, 2:00 pm & 7:30 pm
Fri, May 30, 8:00 pm
Sat, May 31, 2:00 pm & 8:00 pm
Sun, June 1, 2:00 pm -
Venue Info
201 East Brambleton Avenue Norfolk, VA 23510
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Locations
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Accessibility Info
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NOTE: We do our best to ensure all information is accurate, however it's a good idea to visit the website or call the venue to verify the information.
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Member Reviews
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Event Name: Blackwatch
"Black Watch in Virginia"
Comment posted by: Jamie Macpherson from Largs,Scotland,UK. , Aug 17, 2008
I was lucky enough to see Black Watch at the SECC in Glasgow and like most of your reviewers was literally blown away. I knew it planned to tour the US shortly but thought it likely to stick to the... Expand
I was lucky enough to see Black Watch at the SECC in Glasgow and like most of your reviewers was literally blown away. I knew it planned to tour the US shortly but thought it likely to stick to the North and large cities such as NY or Chicago. Ten out of ten Norfolk for being brave enough to stage and present this. I'm sure the reward for this bravery was seeing an outstanding piece of theatre. Collapse
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Event Name: Blackwatch
"They got it right"
Review posted by: D. Rosario from Norfolk VA USA, May 31, 2008
This was a powerful event. And they got it right from the military person's ability to use the F-word as a verb, a noun, an adverb and adjective (sometimes all in the same sentence) to the chasm that... Expand
This was a powerful event. And they got it right from the military person's ability to use the F-word as a verb, a noun, an adverb and adjective (sometimes all in the same sentence) to the chasm that separates enlisted and officers. There was the poignant scene of how powerful letters from home become when you are far away and in harm's way. There was the delightful depiction of the "mid tour riot" when living with the stinky feet of your mates gets to be just a little much and you have the overwhelming need to hit something or somebody. Black Watch writers got the goofy and silly games that soldiers having been using to pass the time from the beginning of the world. They got the sounds of terror and the fear of the unknown and brought it to us. They got the sorrow of the fact that young men die for old men's greed. Fabulous. Shame on Norfolk for not filling the seats of every performance. Collapse
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Event Name: Blackwatch
"Not Just a Play, an Experience!"
Review posted by: Lauren from Norfolk, VA USA, May 28, 2008
This multimedia masterpiece leaves its audience in awe. The coordination of lighting, video, choreography, sound and song is what makes this a must see. Truly unlike anything you have ever seen... Expand
This multimedia masterpiece leaves its audience in awe. The coordination of lighting, video, choreography, sound and song is what makes this a must see. Truly unlike anything you have ever seen before! Collapse
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Event Name: Blackwatch
"Incredible Theater"
Review posted by: Gary from Norfolk, VA, May 28, 2008
We may not see the like of this production in this area again - quite a stunning piece. Thanks to the Arts Festival for having the guts to bring it
We may not see the like of this production in this area again - quite a stunning piece. Thanks to the Arts Festival for having the guts to bring it
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Event Name: Blackwatch
"powerful, moving theater"
Review posted by: Sarah from Norfolk, VA, May 27, 2008
Leave your preconceived notions at the door and enter Blackwatch with an open mind. You will be treated with an unparalleled glimpse into the minds and hearts of the soldiers on the ground in Iraq... Expand
Leave your preconceived notions at the door and enter Blackwatch with an open mind. You will be treated with an unparalleled glimpse into the minds and hearts of the soldiers on the ground in Iraq during the current conflict. You must accept the vulgarity and bravado that soldiers don to survive, but you will understand war, this war in particular, and the soldiers' mindset once you have inured yourself to the worst fraternity party language and attitudes toward pornography. The character studies are deep and true, and you feel you know these boys in the short time they are before you. Just go - you will rarely have such an opportunity for first class, topical drama in Norfolk. Kudos to the Virginia Arts Festival. Collapse
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Event Name: Blackwatch
"Spectacular."
Review posted by: Mark from Wilmington, DE USA, May 27, 2008
This is theater for people who don't usually go to the theater, and for those who do. I drove 4 1/2 hours each way (on a holiday weekend!) to see this show, and I'm glad I did. If you're in or around... Expand
This is theater for people who don't usually go to the theater, and for those who do. I drove 4 1/2 hours each way (on a holiday weekend!) to see this show, and I'm glad I did. If you're in or around the military, or at just have strong opinions either way about our adventure in Iraq, you need to see this. It's beautifully produced and acted, with intense and densely layered sound effects and music. And the brilliant video effects are by Fifty Nine Productions Ltd., which also worked on the Metropolitan Opera's gorgeous production of "Satyagraha," about M.K. Gandhi. It isn't often that state-of-the-art theatrical techniques meet state-of-the-world problems almost in real time. And the young men who muscle their way through the two hours of "Black Watch" act as if their lives depended on it. The show is both an inspiration to everyone trying to figure the Middle Eastern mess out, and a haunting tribute to soldiers still in harm's way. Collapse
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Event Name: Blackwatch
"Amazing Production"
Review posted by: David F. from Norfolk,Va, May 27, 2008
Black Watch is one of the most powerful pieces of theater I have seen in years. The cast is amazing and the stage craft will blow you away. This is truly a world class production and the Virginia Arts... Expand
Black Watch is one of the most powerful pieces of theater I have seen in years. The cast is amazing and the stage craft will blow you away. This is truly a world class production and the Virginia Arts Festival should be commended for bringing it to Norfolk. Collapse
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Event Name: Blackwatch
"Don't let fear keep you away"
Review posted by: Debbie from Norfolk, May 27, 2008
I was hesitant to go to this play, because I generally don't like foul or vulgar language. But once you get into it, the language becomes a part of what you must accept to have sympathy for what the... Expand
I was hesitant to go to this play, because I generally don't like foul or vulgar language. But once you get into it, the language becomes a part of what you must accept to have sympathy for what the characters are going through. If you ever wanted to have a clue of the reality of what our soldiers are living through over there, then you must see this play. Collapse
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Event Name: Blackwatch
"The most significant theater to be seen in our region."
Review posted by: Susan from Virginia Beach, May 27, 2008
The National Theatre of Scotland brings a level of intensity and creativity to a most powerful play. At once "pro soldier" and "anti-war" this is a place for those of us who cannot begin to imagine... Expand
The National Theatre of Scotland brings a level of intensity and creativity to a most powerful play. At once "pro soldier" and "anti-war" this is a place for those of us who cannot begin to imagine what it must be like to be in the middle of this conflict. We all know one of these boys/men/soldiers. And now a glimpse into their psyche and the true sacrifice that they make. Amazing acting, visionary staging, and incredible sound effects allow you to be very much in the moment. Don't miss Black Watch Collapse
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Event Name: Blackwatch
"Don't miss this"
Review posted by: Robert Alemany from Norfolk, VA, May 26, 2008
Powerful and moving theatre. It must be experienced to be understood. An extraordinary undertaking of the Virginia Arts Festival
Powerful and moving theatre. It must be experienced to be understood. An extraordinary undertaking of the Virginia Arts Festival
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