KALASHNIKOV: IN THE WOODS BY THE LAKE (KIW) is a provocative new play about Mikhail Kalashnikov-the Russian inventor of the AK47 assault rifle, and a decorated Soviet hero. Synopsis Set in Kalashnikov's dacha amidst the dark woods and waters of a fairy tale Russian landscape, a young journalist, Volkov, comes to interview the elderly Kalashnikov about his time on the front line and his subsequent invention of the AK-47 assault rifle. With the help of his daughter and grand-daughter, Kalashnikov initially welcomes Volkov into his home but as the questions harden and ambiguities appear in Kalashnikov's recollections, some painful and extremely uncomfortable truths begin to emerge... 
Click on the thumbnail for a larger view KIW has been supported and developed at Burton Taylor Studio, Oxford Playhouse, with funding from Arts Council, England. The full production will be touring to small to middle scale venues from Autumn 2011. It has a cast of three. It is directed by Helena Bell and produced by Pursued by a Bear Productions. Pursued by a Bear Productions make theatre and digital film. Resident at Farnham Maltings with a twelve year history of commissioning cutting edge new plays, delivered in striking visually compelling productions. 'Kalashnikov' will be expanded as more details become available. New details will be disseminated on this Website, so return soon. Tour dates confirmed. The production will open on 6th-8th October at the Oxford Playhouse (Burton Taylor Studio). 13th&14th October- Guildford's Yvonne Arnaud (Mill Studio). 17th- 24th October-Theatre 503 (London) (Monday-Saturday). 1st-5th November- To be announced. 9th November- Gulbenkian Theatre Canterbury. 10th-12th November- Mercury Theatre Studio, Colchester. A Playwriting Event. Fraser currently teaches the Writing Drama course at Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge. He is leading a six-week workshop (from 1 June- 6 July). For further details and booking form consult the link below. If you live in Cambridge, or nearby, you might be interested in this event, which is to be held at the CENTRAL LIBRARY, Cambridge. Course Content 1. A situation of my own making. 2. People like me- characters real & imagined. 3. Speaking in hammer and tongues- what dramatic language is. 4. How plays speak without talking- adventures in narrative. 5. Rituals, games and other useful stuff. 6. Goodbye to all that- the joy of rewriting. Participants should be willing to share their writing in a supportive, positive environment. Course Director Fraser Grace Cost £120 for 6 weeks. Who? Anyone with an interest in playwriting. Venue Cambridge Central Library Conference Room. Time & Date Wednesday evenings 6-8 pm, 1 June- 6 July Refreshments Available to purchase from the Central Library Cafe. Further details plus booking and payment forms can be obtained from the following link: http://www.acefoundation.org.uk/courses/arts.html | 
