The occasion centered around Roy Williams’ acclaimed stage trilogy, Death of England, which captivated audiences at the National Theatre. As both a fellow and graduate of Rose Bruford College, Williams brought a special connection to the event, offering unique insights into his journey from student to celebrated writer.
Williams, known for his poignant narratives and unflinching exploration of societal issues, delved into the inspirations behind the trilogy and the creative process that brought it to life on the stage. The Death of England trilogy, comprised of Death of England, Death of England: Delroy, and Death of England: Closing Time, has been lauded for its raw emotion and powerful commentary on contemporary British identity, class and race relations.
Williams shared his motivations for tackling such weighty themes, emphasising the importance of art in reflecting the world we live in to spark conversations and make audiences think. Attendees were treated to Williams’ experiences on the challenges of writing for the stage, as well as the collaborative nature of theatre production.
Death of England also saw Bruford fellow and alumna Sadeysa Greenaway-Bailey co-design the production, alongside ULTZ, which served as the catalyst for the digital XR stage design featured during Roy’s engaging Q&A session. Elements such as the CCTV camera image, a nod to a pivotal moment from the second instalment, Death of England: Delroy, and the strategically placed disco ball, echoing a visual motif for Delroy and Carly’s love story throughout the series.
The finale of the series, Death of England: Closing Time, starred alumna and fellow Hayley Squires, portraying the long-awaited Carly, whose shadow loomed large over earlier instalments with her impact on the lead characters Michael and Delroy. Last year, Hayley also returned to Rose Bruford for the annual Symposium, alongside actor David Carlyle.
Time Out’s review of Death of England: Closing Time described:
“An unsettling masterpiece of comic acting from Squires, and a tremendous piece of writing.” – Time Out
Moreover, Williams’ Q&A event offered candid perspectives on the role of theatre in today’s society, stressing its capacity to provoke thought and most importantly, change. His visit served as a reminder of the transformative potential of the arts to confront complex issues.
The event concluded with an exchange of questions and ideas, leaving attendees inspired and enlightened by Williams’ wisdom and passion for his craft. As Rose Bruford College continues to nurture the next generation of theatre-makers, the visit by Roy Williams OBE, both a fellow and an alumnus of the college, stands as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling to illuminate the human experience.