Running time:
1 hour and 50 minutes with no intermission
After transfixing audiences across the globe and receiving unanimous critical acclaim worldwide, National Theatre of Scotland’s revolutionary production of Black Watch makes its highly anticipated Bay Area premiere. Inspired by interviews with soldiers who served in Iraq with Scotland’s nearly 300-year-old Black Watch regiment, this hauntingly powerful depiction of war is so inventive and groundbreaking in scope that it demands a completely unique performance venue—and will take over the long-dormant Drill Court at San Francisco’s historic Mission Armory. Splicing together exquisitely deployed stagecraft, from choreographed marches and Scottish ballads to searing video news footage, Black Watch captures the layered state of being at war, from moment to gripping moment. A transformative theatrical event you don't want to miss, Black Watch delivers a visceral, unforgettable experience.
Performances of Black Watch will take place in the Armory Community Center, located in San Francisco's Mission District., located at 333 14th Street (between Mission and Valencia). Click here for directions.
Audiences and Critics love Black Watch!
"A captivating, emotionally powerful theatrical experience." —TheaterDogs
"Heart-stopping! A dramatic, and at times downright thrilling, spectacle." —San Francisco Examiner
"Exhilarating theater! . . . As fresh and immediate as it is inventive and affecting. . . . A complete triumph." —San Francisco Chronicle
"Epic! Wildly inventive. . . . Boldly channels the power of theatrical ritual to rouse the senses." —Bay Area News Group
"Thrilling . . . a necessary reminder of the transporting power that is unique to theater." —The New York Times
"A genuine spectacle that revels in its own theatricality and comes replete with music, marching, explosive effects and its own piper." —Chicago Tribune
"Magnificent" —New York Observer
"Enthralling" —Washington Post
"★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ! The world must see this play. Immediately." —The Herald (Scotland)
Theater on the Couch
May 10, 8 p.m.
Following the show, discuss the minds, motives, and behaviors of the characters with Dr. Mason Turner, chief of psychiatry at San Francisco’s Kaiser Permanente Medical Center.
Audience Exchanges
May 14, 7 p.m.
May 19, 2 p.m.
May 22, 2 p.m.
June 4, 8 p.m.
Learn firsthand what goes into the making of great theater. After the show, join us for a lively onstage chat with the actors, designers, and artists who develop the work onstage.
OUT with A.C.T.
May 15, 8 p.m.
The best LGBT night in town! Mingle with the cast and fellow theatergoers while enjoying free drinks and treats at this popular afterparty.
Wine Series NEW!
May 21, 7 p.m.
Before the show, raise a glass at this wine tasting event featuring unique wines from The Barrel Room, a popular wine bar located in Union Square.
PlayTime NEW!
May 25
Get hands-on with theater with the artists who make it happen at this interactive workshop.
*Most events are free for ticket holders. Please note that performance times vary.
Insight into the Play, the Playwright, and the Production
Each entertaining and informative issue of Words on Plays, A.C.T.'s in-depth performance guide series, contains a synopsis, advance program notes, study questions, and additional background information about the historical and cultural context of the play.
Words on Plays is available for purchase in the lobby of the theater during performances or online ($12 each + postage and handling or $5 each for the electronic edition). For more information about how to subscribe to a full or partial season, click here.
Words on Plays Prepared by
Dan Rubin, Editor
Cait Robinson, Publications Fellow
Elizabeth Brodersen, Director of Education
Culture Shock A Brief Biography of Writer Gregory Burke
by Cait Robinson
11.
The Making of Black Watch by Cait Robinson
16.
"Three Hundred Years ay Being in the Shite" The Golden Thread of the Black Watch by Dan Rubin
26.
Hearts and Minds The Black Watch in Iraq by Cait Robinson
33.
The Pipes and Drums The Black Watch Bandsmen by Dan Rubin
35.
A History of the Mission Armory
42.
Places Mentioned in Black Watch
44.
Understanding Scottish
47.
Black Watch Regimental Timeline
50.
"The Gallant Forty-Twa" A Black Watch Song Explained
by Dan Rubin
52.
Questions to Consider / For Further Information . . .
Production Videos and Photos
Audiences and Critics love Black Watch!
Killing My Lobster goes to Black Watch
Black Watch at A.C.T. Time-Lapse
Watch the video trailer:
Meet Black Watch director John Tiffany and choreographer Steven Hoggett
Learn how the incredible set travels around the world—all in one box!
Click to view larger images from Black Watch at A.C.T.
Getting There
For all performances of Black Watch
The Armory Community Center (Click link for Google Map)
333 14th Street (between Mission and Valencia)
San Francisco, CA 94103
There is secure bicycle parking inside the Armory Community Center. Bring your own lock!
16th Street BART is located 2.5 blocks from the Armory Community Center!
Preferred parking for Black Watch can be found at the following locations for $15:
Parking Lot A
344 14th St.
Btw. Valencia & Mission
ACROSS THE STREET FROM the ARMORY COMMUNITY CENTER.
Limited parking spaces available.
Parking Lot B
1370 Stevenson @ Duboce
ENTRANCES LOCATED ON STEVENSON & VALENCIA
Killing My Lobster goes to Black Watch
Dining Partners
Whether you're a frequent visitor, or exploring the Mission District for the first time, we urge you to stop by any of the below restaurants and discover some of San Francisco's finest dining adventures. Menus, hours, and directions are just a click away!
Andalu
3198 16th St.
San Francisco, CA 94103-3363 andalusf.com
(415) 621-2211
Beast and the Hare
1001 Guerrero Street
San Francisco, CA 94110 beastandthehare.com
(415) 821-1001
Blondie's Bar & No Grill
540 Valencia Street
San Francisco, CA 94110 blondiesbar.com
(415) 864-2419
Delfina
3621 18th Street
San Francisco CA 94110 delfinasf.com
415 552-4055
flour + water
2401 Harrison Street
San Francisco CA, 94110 flourandwater.com
(415) 826-7000
Ken Ken Ramen
3378 18th Street
San Francisco, CA 94110-1817 eatkenkenramen.com
(415) 967-2636
Locanda Osteria Bar
557 Valencia Street San Francisco, CA 94110 locandasf.com
(415) 863-6800
Lolinda
2518 Mission Street
San Francisco, California 94110 lolindasf.com
(415) 550-6970
Maverick Restaurant
3316 17th Street
San Francisco, CA 94110 sfmaverick.com
(415) 863-3061
Pizzeria Delfina
1611 18th Street
San Francisco, CA 94110 pizzeriadelfina.com
(415) 437-6800
Tacolicious
741 Valencia St
San Francisco, CA 94110 tacolicious.com
(415) 346-1966
The Abbot's Cellar
742 Valencia Street
San Francisco, CA 94110 abbotscellar.com
(415) 626-8700
The Monk's Kettle
3141 16th Street
San Francisco CA 94103 monkskettle.com
(415) 865-9523
West of Pecos
550 Valencia Street
San Francisco, CA 94110 westofpecos.com
(415) 252-7000
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May 9–June 16, 2013
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