THINGS I KNOW TO BE TRUE

Director's Notes

Families. If we’re lucky our own will be loving, supportive, sympathetic and fun but even the most considerate and tight-knit family can be infuriating, judgemental and hurtful.

The Price family apparently have it all. Fran and Bob have paid off their mortgage and revel in seeing their adult children thrive, after offering them opportunities they didn’t have. They dream of Pip, Mark, Ben and Rosie living nearby, with the grandchildren playing in the garden so carefully tended by Bob, but when the children choose to follow their own dreams the strong family unit is threatened. Over a year we become immersed in the conflicting aspirations of the generations – is convention paramount or should individual desires be followed, regardless of ensuing heartache?

I saw Things I Know to be True on its UK tour about eight years ago and it made a profound impression on me. Devised and created in Australia, in collaboration with Frantic Assembly, physical movement enhanced the emotional impact of the joys and struggles of people just trying to do their best. The situations faced by the Price family made me question whether love is always constructive and protective, or might it be destructive? It offered me fresh perspective on my own family, allowing me to understand why certain conversations didn’t happen and some secrets were buried. Ultimately the challenges faced by the Prices are universal, and A Thing We Know to be True is that, almost always, love overcomes all.

This play has thought-provoking themes, which I hope you will find intriguing, but most of all I hope that when you leave the theatre you contact your loved ones and give them a big hug.

I have been supported so well in my first solo direction at The Loft by the production team and the amazing actors, but especially by my stage manager, the knowledgeable and witty Giles Allen-Bowden. We have had a lot of fun and laughter (and cake) so huge thanks to everyone!

Lynda Lewis
Director