Pinchbeck, M., Smith, O., 2022.

A Seventh Man

In 2022, Pinchbeck & Smith made a new immersive performance inspired by A Seventh Man, the 1975 book about migration by John Berger and Jean Mohr. Using verbatim interviews and photography the performance is part slideshow, part documentary, part adaptation, and explores the book to mark its 45th anniversary. The narrative follows workers leaving home, crossing borders and facing questions about the work they do and taking medical tests to see if they are fit enough. Three performers read directly from Berger's book as if both narrating and acting out its portraits of a generation of young men who travel across a continent in search of a better life. The piece follows a three act structure - Departure, Work, Return - and was shown in a shed-like structure to an audience of seven people. Supported by Arts Council England and British Council, the project was commissioned by Lincoln Performing Arts Centre, New Perspectives and Nottingham Playhouse. Premiered at Theatreszene Europa, Cologne.