Latest production of Turnage's GREEK up for major theatre award

The Theatrical Management Association (TMA) announced the nominations for its Theatre Awards UK 2011. The re-launched annual Theatre and Theatre Management Awards are given to honour creative excellence and the outstanding work seen on stages throughout England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Music Theatre Wales' current production of Greek by Mark-Anthony Turnage (photo) has been shortlisted for the 2011 TMA Awards, in the category OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN OPERA.

For more details visit the TMA website, the awards will be announced on Sunday 30 October.

From The Observer review of MTW's production: Turnage's libretto is a reworking of the Oedipus myth refracted through Steven Berkoff's brutal stage play. The backdrop is "Thatcher's Britain", an ideal punch bag for an edgy young composer from urban Essex, though Turnage's own working-class upbringing, he would be quick to say, was nothing like that of his hero. Eddy argues with his mum and dad, finds love and tries to save his city from the plague. He is defeated by his own terrible ignorance.

Yuppies may now be drawing pensions, Aids less of a virulent threat, the woolly politics of coalition a more elusive target than the easy right. Yet Greek, which finally turns into a love song, still strikes a blow in the solar plexus.

The Music Theatre Wales Ensemble, conducted by Michael Rafferty, and the talented Marcus Farnsworth as Eddy, together with the other three versatile singers – Sally Silver, Louise Winter and Gwion Thomas – gave an outstanding performance, fierce with raw immediacy. The tour continues until 10 November.

• Mark-Anthony Turnage - Profile
• TMA website