Joseph K and the Cost of Living

Joseph K is arrested and has no idea why, but Emily White's adaptation of "The Trial" weaves the nightmare of arrest and injustice into a funny and physical take on Franz Kafka's classic.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 112 pages
Publication date: 06 April 2023
Publisher: Faber & Faber

Joseph K has a comfortable job in financial services and barely notices the growing chaos all around on the walk to work: the homelessness, the food banks, the anger, the protests, the relentless rise of the cost of living. Until one day, K is arrested. No one will explain what the charges are, but they must be answered.

Emily White's adaptation of "The Trial" weaves the nightmare of arrest and injustice into a funny and physical take on Franz Kafka's classic. The play premiered at the Swansea Grand Theatre, in a production by National Theatre Wales, in March 2023.

The play follows Kafka's protagonist, Josef K, as he is arrested and taken to a mysterious institution where he is subjected to a series of absurd and humiliating trials. The play explores themes of power, corruption, and the nature of justice, and is filled with dark humor and physicality.

The production is directed by Emily White, who brings a fresh and innovative approach to the play. The set design is minimalist and stark, with a focus on the use of light and shadow to create a sense of tension and unease. The performances are outstanding, with Richard Madden as Kafka and Alex Jennings as the Judge, both delivering powerful and nuanced performances.

Overall, "The Trial" is a must-see play for anyone who loves theatre, literature, or social commentary. It is a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of the human condition, and a reminder of the importance of fighting for justice and equality.

Weight: 120g
Dimension: 198 x 130 x 8 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780571384723
Edition number: Main