Moth Sanctuary Productions is bringing a brand-new take on one of Edgar Allan Poe's most popular short stories to Cheltenham Literature Festival 2024.
Inspired by Poe's iconic The Fall of the House of Usher, Before the Fall depicts the events of the night leading up to the beginning of the book.
With Moth Sanctuary's signature gothic imagery and character-driven storytelling, this dark tale of love, loss and sibling rivarly has devastating consequences — and presents a completely unique take on the enduring Usher story.
Incorporating some of Poe's much-loved poetry, as well as original music, this atmospheric performance is a must-see for Poe fans — and those looking for an exciting introduction to his work.
A lifelong Poe fan, Moth Sanctuary's creative director, Andrew Bate, is well-versed in the author's work.
The award-winning independent theatre company launched with an immersive adaptation of The Raven, hosted in a graveyard, at the very first Cheltenham Literature Festival Lit Crawl in 2016.
Moth Sanctuary was also handpicked to represent Cheltenham Literature Festival on the global stage in 2020, with its live-streamed one-man show Deep in Earth connecting themes of grief and isolation in Poe's work to the Covid-19 pandemic.
This new performance adds a whole new layer to the original story, told through Moth Sanctuary's distinctive lens.
Before the Fall takes place at The Hive on Thursday 10 October 2024 at 8pm.
Dealing with dark themes and characters' inner demons, the performance is suitable for those aged 16 and above.
Tickets cost £14 and are available to book via the Cheltenham Festivals website from Thursday 5 September 2024.
For more information, visit cheltenhamfestivals.org/events/before-the-fall.
