The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) is set to bring Roald Dahl's cherished tale, "The BFG," to the stage in a world premiere adaptation. This exciting production will open at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon for a special 10-week run during the festive season of 2025. Celebrated playwright Tom Wells has been entrusted with adapting this popular children's book, while RSC's co-artistic director Daniel Evans will helm the production as director.
"The BFG" is one of the most adored books by Roald Dahl, ranking as the 10th most popular children and young adult fiction book globally. With over 21 million copies sold worldwide, the story continues to captivate both young and adult audiences. The narrative follows a young orphan named Sophie who befriends a gentle giant, known as the BFG, as they embark on an adventurous mission to stop other giants from eating children. An important character in the book is the Queen, who plays a pivotal role in assisting Sophie and the BFG in their quest.
Roald Dahl's works have been translated into 64 languages and collectively sold more than 300 million copies worldwide as of 2023. Despite his literary success, Dahl's legacy faced scrutiny when his family publicly apologized in 2020 for the author's antisemitic statements. In 2023, sensitivity readers reviewed and amended several of Dahl's books, including "The BFG," to align with modern sensibilities. Words such as "fat" and "ugly" were removed to ensure greater inclusivity and sensitivity.
The allure of "The BFG" has transcended literature, having previously been adapted into a 2016 fantasy adventure film directed by Steven Spielberg. The upcoming stage adaptation promises to capture the same magic and wonder that has endeared the story to readers worldwide. Daniel Evans remarked on the universal appeal of the tale, stating, "Everyone has dreams and the story shows that if you believe hard enough, your dreams can come true."
With its heartwarming themes and imaginative storyline, "The BFG" continues to be a beloved story that resonates with audiences across generations. The stage production aims to transport viewers into Sophie and the BFG's enchanting world, where dreams take center stage and anything is possible.
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