Early Days (of a better nation) @ Unity Theatre Liverpool

The war is over and the nation lies in ruins. You and your fellow survivors must build the beginnings of a new country. What are the rules you’re going to live by? And can you avoid the mistakes of the past?

In the wake of the general election, renowned interactive-theatre makers Coney bring their latest slice of genius to Liverpool’s Unity Theatre.

Weaving together theatre and game design to create dynamic shows and experiences, Coney interrogate the possibilities of contemporary theatre practice – and strive to move it forward.

Early Days (of a better nation) presents a dystopian future in which its audience must become the player, challenged with the task of reframing contemporary society. Is democracy necessary or can everybody’s voice be heard? What would this look like if so – and who has the right to decide? Coney ask the questions – you must provide the answer.

Inspired by the 2011 UK riots, the Arab spring, Iceland’s crowd-sourced constitution and the rise (and fall) of Occupy, Early Days stimulates a unique discourse, rigorously developed in partnership with a number of academic institutions and arts organisations.

Guided by principles of loveliness, curiosity and adventure, Coney’s work is driven by collaboration and dialogue. Intelligent and supple, Early Days is shaped by the imagination of the audience, making for a truly exciting, startlingly unique theatrical experience.

What makes Coney so distinctive is their dedication to playfulness and audience – a dedication that places them at the forefront of British theatre and makes them one of the most enigmatic companies around. They deserve all of the superlatives a 300-word preview allows.