The Tristan Batres

November 2014

SYNOPSIS

Confined in a cramped, makeshift prison on the back line of the Somme, two men stand charged with cowardice and desertion. Trapped inside the damp, cold and oppressive walls of this ‘Glasshouse’, a beautiful friendship crystallizes between them.  But how long can friendship last? And how much can a man withstand before he breaks?

In the 100th anniversary year of the outbreak of World War I, acclaimed emerging company Grindstone presents the world premiere of Max Saunders-Singer’s emotional new drama THE GLASSHOUSE. Based on extensive research into true stories of soldiers on the front lines, this powerful new work explores a rarely seen side of trench warfare.

Following the intertwined stories of the misfits, idealists and tragic victims who pass through this hastily constructed trench prison cell, THE GLASSHOUSE is a moving, blood-pumping and powerfully original new play. Through these stories, it also shines a stark new light on the effects of 'Shell Shock' and failures in the treatment of so-called 'Cowards' and 'Conchies' who were unable or refused to fight.