Josef K. wakes up one morning, hungry and disconcerted, only to find himself arrested. He is not told why, nor by whom. He does not get to eat his breakfast. And so begins The Trial.
People Zoo Productions brings you this grotesque and darkly comic tale that tracks one man’s struggle against a malicious and faceless power. Fighting against ritual humiliation, impenetrable secrecy and unfathomable procedure, can Josef K. prove his innocence? Franz Kafka’s novel, adapted for stage by Evelyn Roberts and Matt Holt, is as relevant today as it has ever been.
“There is much to admire in this impressive adaptation… With work of this power People Zoo Productions are a company to watch out for.” – The Manchester Review
★★★★ “Fantastically directed by Craig Sanders… I highly recommend giving it a watch.” – North West End
★★★★ “William J Holstead stars as the protagonist, displaying remarkable physicality and masterful control… Director Craig Sanders has created a wonderfully offbeat dark comedy… A captivating and unusually amusing watch.” – Upstaged Manchester
“This was a production I’d looked forward to seeing. And in almost every way it didn’t disappoint… It’s an ambitious work to take on and in almost every way it succeeds brilliantly.” – Quiet Man Dave
“Chillingly timeless and relevant… The staging is visually compelling… William J. Holstead gives a remarkable performance as Josef K.” – Sincerely Amy
“This timeless tale of ordinary terror is as relevant today as it has ever been, with People Zoo Productions capturing the essence of this strange and surreal fable in their new production… A daring piece of independent theatre.” – The Reviews Hub
★★★★ “It’s always daunting to take on such a famous work but People Zoo rise to the challenge. This powerful and effective play, ably directed by Craig Sanders, is definitely one to watch at this year’s [Edinburgh] Fringe.” – Bouquets and Brickbats
“People Zoo Productions confound expectations with a version of Franz Kafka’s The Trial that will prompt those grown blasé about the well-known story into looking at it in a new light… No one should miss this play.” – Manchester Theatre Awards