A new story about the stories we choose to believe.
When a podcast producer sets out to investigate the infamous 1938 radio broadcast of The War of the Worlds that sparked mass panic, she uncovers more than just the myth.
As interviews unravel and personal histories blur with public truths, The War of the Worlds becomes a gripping journey through memory, manipulation, and the need to be heard.
This reimagining of H.G. Wells’ classic asks: What happens when the line between truth and fiction isn’t just blurred—but weaponised?
Context for this production from Jay Zorenti-Nakhid, the Belgrade’s Associate Director:
The Belgrade Ensemble began as we saw a gap for early-career performers around Coventry to develop their craft. We noticed that while there was no shortage of talent, there was a need for a structured, supportive environment where these performers could truly develop their craft in a working producing theatre.
In 2023, we launched the first cohort of the Belgrade Ensemble, an eight-month free training programme designed to provide early-career performance artists with the tools, mentorship, and opportunities they needed to grow. This initiative was rooted in our commitment to co-creation and community engagement, aligning with the Belgrade Theatre’s vision of being a place where diversity powers storytelling.
After attending the For with By festival in Madrid, the inaugural Ensemble culminated in ‘Rooftop,’ a devised theatre piece that showcased the growth and creativity of our participants. Building on this, the 2024/25 Ensemble expanded to an eleven-month programme, offering participants the chance to perform in our production of ‘Romeo and Juliet’ and to perform in this production of The War of the Worlds in our B2 space, further embedding them in the professional theatre-making process.
Our belief is simple: local talent deserves local investment. By providing early-career performers with consistent support, we aim to nurture not just their skills, but their confidence and sense of belonging within the theatre community. The Ensemble is a space where performers can find their voice, connect with peers, and envision a future in the arts.
Seeing the Ensemble members grow, take risks, and contribute meaningfully to our productions reaffirms our commitment to this initiative. It’s a testament to what can happen when we believe in our local talent and provide them with the opportunities they need to thrive.
Click to download:
The War of the Worlds Digital Programme
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