Christian and I both worked together at the National Theatre on a piece called "My Country; a work in progress", a verbatim play that centred around the result of the EU referendum of 2016 under the guidance of Rufus Norris, and Poet Laureate, at the time, Carol Ann Duffy. An experience that both of us treasure to this very day. 

It was a genuine pleasure to hear Christian's stories about his early life and work, to the challenges of working as an actor, and working at the National Theatre by my side. 

Oliver Gower

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David Barnett is currently Professor of Drama at the University of York.

David's primary research point is the work of Brecht, and the Berliner Ensemble, he has written countless journal entries and articles about the foundations of Brecht's practice. 

Telling the reader, performer, and director, how you can apply them to a production, and for that matter, any existing play, and come up with a different angle depending upon the social contradictions that are hiding beneath the surface. 

We talk about three foundations of Brecht's work, GESTUS, HALTUNG, and, VERFREMDUNG. 

This conversation would be great for anyone who is studying Brecht at school or university, or for that matter, anyone who wants to know a little more about his work.  

Oliver Gower

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Instagram: @ollietheuncensoredcritic

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Simon is an actor and Chekhov specialist. 

We talk everything from Simon's earliest memories of Chekhov at drama school, to discussing Chekhov's yin-yang approach to life as a man of science, yet has a spiritual attachment to him at the same time. 

We discuss Anton Chekhov's Uncle Vanya, and how Chekhov's influence was very much with us during the pandemic, and how he can capture life's humorous moments, even in the darkest of times. 

Both these things and everything in between makes Chekhov one of the most celebrated playwrights of our age. 

Oliver Gower

Spotlight Link: https://www.spotlight.com/9097-9058-5261

Instagram: @ollietheuncensoredcritic

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Welcome to The Uncensored Critic Podcast!

Thank you so much for tuning in and listening to my show.

For my first episode I had the pleasure of talking to long-term collaborator, and friend of Harold Pinter, Harry Burton. 

We discuss everything from Pinter's early years growing up in Hackney, living through post-WW2 London, to finding out the best way to tackle Pinter's work in performance. 

We take a close look at "The Caretaker", first performed in 1960, tells the story of Aston, recovering from electric shock therapy, who brings a random tramp home off the street, Davies. Along with Mick, his brother, and their new flatmate, a three way power struggle suddenly ensues.  

It was such a great and insightful conversation to have, understanding the way Pinter liked to work, his political views, and how his interpretation of our world fed into how he wrote his plays. 

This episode also features myself doing a reading of a speech from Harold's play The Caretaker, hope you enjoy it.

Oliver Gower

Spotlight Link: https://www.spotlight.com/9097-9058-5261

Instagram: @ollietheuncensoredcritic

For enquiries and requests: [email protected]

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Thank you all for your support!