THE RETURNINGS by FREDRIK BRATTBERG.

Top photo: John Seaman.

A mother and father are grieving for the loss of their son Gustav, whom they presume to be dead. Until one day there is a knock at the door and there he is. Their son has returned and daily life is restored, but events soon twist wildly out of control as what seemed to be a bleak tragedy transforms into a brilliant black farce. 

Fredrik Brattberg is an award winning Norwegian playwright with a background in classical music composition. His work has been performed in Norway, France, Denmark, Indonesia and New York. In 2012 he won the Ibsen Award for The Returnings.​
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4th March 2016 - The Norwegian Embassy
An evening hosted by the Norwegian Embassy in London showcasing The Returnings to an invited audience.
Cast: Emma Cunniffe, Kieron Jecchinis & Adam Newington

18th September 2015 - Nordic Drama Now at the Free Word Centre

An afternoon of performance and discussion at the Free Word Centre in London around recent developments in contemporary drama from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden that included a staged reading of The Returnings. 

Cast: Emma Cunniffe, Bill Nash & Adam Newington

11th July 2015 - Backwell Festival 

With The Returnings Presence Theatre helped launch the Literature Tent at Backwell Festival, a much-loved independent festival in an idyllic setting offering an inspirational and eclectic line-up of music, dance, art, food and workshops. 
​"The Returnings is unsettling, thrilling and funny. With delicacy and wit it examines grief – our obligations to the dead and how to honour them – and asks uncomfortable questions about our selfishness in the face of responsibility." John Donnelly, Playwright

"The highly talented cast enthralled the audience, drawing out emotional responses at every twist and turn ... an exceptional 35 minutes of theatre ... the accolades were flowing - ”Brilliant” “Exceptional” “Enthralling” - we knew we had witnessed something very, very special." Jane Sabherwal, Backwell Festival.