Artist Dave McKean presents an ambitious staging of The Passion, a film adaptation of the ground-breaking theatre event performed in Port Talbot over Easter 2011 starring Michael Sheen. Taking inspiration from one of the defining narratives of our times, this contemporary and humanist re-telling of the Passion story was an exceptional production, set around the town and incorporating the locals (including Wales’ best export, Manic Street Preachers) as the cast, crew and heroes of this truly unique project.
Easter. Port Talbot is in a battle for its life. Authoritarian forces have taken over and the town is in thrall to ICU, a sinister and merciless corporation depleting the town of its resources with scant regard for the residents. The atmosphere is explosive. Resistance is inevitable. When a company man and suicide bomber clash on the beach, catastrophe is only averted by the intervention of a softly spoken man who had disappeared 40 days earlier. Revealed later as the Teacher (Michael Sheen), he soon attracts followers and becomes a focus for the Resistance. His influence quickly draws the attention of ICU, who perceive him as a danger who must be removed at all costs.
We are pleased to welcome Gospel of Us director Dave McKean for a post-screening Q&A following the New British Cinema Quarterly screening on Wed 25 April, chaired by Cornerhouse Film Programme Manager Rachel Hayward.