Dystopian vision set for the stage

E M Forster’s story The Machine Stops, exploring the increasingly intricate relationship with technology in people’s lives, is being brought to life by the acclaimed Pilot Theatre.

The play will be performed at Cast on Tuesday, March 21, and Wednesday, March 22.

It is a story about a dystopian world where humans have retreated far underground and where Kuno alone questions their now total dependency on technology to live and communicate with each other. 

The short story was made the focus of an album by rock group Hawkwind last year and the play includes a soundtrack by electronic music pioneer John Foxx, formerly of Ultravox.

Playwright Neil Duffield said: “It’s an amazing story, and even more so when you discover it was first published in 1909. 

“What’s so astonishing is not only the accuracy with which it foresees the extent of the technologic takeover of almost every aspect of our modern-day lives, but the effect that has on us all — on our relations with each other, on our minds and bodies, our philosophy and culture, on our very sense of being.”

E M Forster’s The Machine Stops begins at 7.45pm each day with a Wednesday matinee at 1.30pm.

Tickets cost £12.50 or £10.50 for concessions and are available from the box office on 01302 303959 or online at castindoncaster.com.