Verständnis (Understanding)

 
 

Oddsocks Productions are delighted to produce an original Multi-lingual play called Verständnis (Understanding)

Dan Scott’s moving new play, Versndnis (Understanding), is about feeling 'in-between' and about the importance of understanding one another. It reflects the experiences of so many individuals who have at some point felt ‘other’.

Nick is a half-German, half-British teenager who moves to Coventry after being raised in Cologne - his paternal grandparents are in Birmingham, his mother longs for Europe. Against the backdrop of a failing marriage, we witness his confusion of figuring out where home is. This leads to a poignant discovery of a sense of place, and a sense of self.

This fresh new production is directed by award-winning South African-British theatre-maker, Greg Homann. It is performed in a dynamic direct-to-audience storytelling style mixing English and German with English subtitles. Over 100 illustrations aid the fast-paced storytelling form – the experience is like watching a graphic novel for the stage!

The work was first produced, with support from Sum Project, by Polish-British producer Joanna Woźnicka, who says, “By presenting this touching play in a post-pandemic and post-Brexit Britain, we want to create a welcoming space of connection for anyone who feels ‘othered’. As a multi-national team with connections to Central Europe, Eastern Europe and Southern Africa, we believe migrant representation is necessary in the arts. Our goal is to share the experience of being ‘in-between’, and show it with humour, empathy, and warmth.”

 

Although the play’s unique form is likely to attract broad audience appeal, the project connects specifically with the diverse migrant population of the Midlands. It enables a fantastic opportunity to engage a community that feels increasingly isolated in Britain. The play’s themes encourage understanding, healing and connection.

 

Oddsocks is excited to be collaborating with Dan, Greg, Charlie and the rest of the Versndnis Team to bring this beautiful play to a wider audience.

CREATIVES

Writer - Dan Scott

Director -Greg Homann

Producer - Charlie Mackenzie-Barrow, Dan Scott, Oddsocks Productions

Illustrator - Raphael Achache

Stage Manager - Charlie Mackenzie-Barrow 

If you would like to book a performance in your venue, secondary school, university or local area, or if you would like to support the making of this play with donations or helpful resources then please contact Understandingtheplay@gmail.com

To watch our Promotional trailer click down below!