Celebrating the power and joy of words, Compositor E explores the many unlikely fingerprints that write and re-write history.
The play follows 17-year-old apprentice typesetter, John, working on a commission of Shakespeare’s first-ever complete works as he processes his turbulent upbringing.
This new in-house production marks Omnibus Theatre’s 10th Birthday and fuses its heritage as a Library with its current life as an independent theatre.
Presented in line with the 400th anniversary of the publication of the First Folio, Compositor E celebrates the power of words and explores the many unlikely fingerprints that write and re-write history.
‘There’s power in that fingerprint of yours. Make sure to use it wisely.’
London 1623. Apprentice typesetter, 17-year-old John arrives to work under the mentorship of ambitious printer Isaac Jaggard on a potentially game-changing new commission – Shakespeare’s first-ever complete works.
As John grapples to stamp a manuscript of ‘Macbeth’ onto the page, fuelled by his dark past, he finds himself weaving his own narrative into the text. But as the ink sets, he begins questioning who the storytellers really are…
Marie McCarthy, Artistic Director of Omnibus Theatre said today, “When I read Charlie Dupré’s play set in 1623, I was struck by how relevant it is to audiences today: exploring themes around authenticity, creative agency and shining a light on the working-class people who shaped history – rather than just the traditional heroes we are taught about. In line with our 10th Birthday this Autumn, we look forward to creating a new production, which celebrates the stories we all have in us.”
Charlie Dupré’s Compositor E, directed by the Omnibus Theatre’s Artistic Director Marie McCarthy. Published by Methuen Drama and longlisted for the Bruntwood Playwriting Prize in 2022.
Omnibus Theatre, 1 Clapham Common North Side, London, SW4 0QW from 19 September – 7 October. Times: Tuesday to Saturday 7:30pm; Sunday 4pm
Box Office: www.omnibus-clapham.org – 0207 498 4699. Tickets from £15
