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TRUCKSTOP, by Lot Vekemans (trans. Rina Vergano)

'Truckstop' was written in 2004 by Dutch playwright Lot Vekemans. Halfway between thriller and romance, it tells the tale of Katalijne, Ada, Remco and a motorwayside café. A spotlight roams over their hopes and struggles as they are torn between loyalty to home and dreams of adventure. And can the Truckstop survive in a changing world of fast-food joints, globe-trotters and ready-made meatballs?    

This project will explore the crossover between fiction and documentary, and how this can be played out in theatre. 'Truckstop' is made up of kalaidroscopic fragments of narration, flashback and drama; our production will allow voices to carry strongly across the gaps, jolting the audience into questioning when, where and why we listen to each others' stories. What can those figures in the places of transit, non-spaces such as service stations and airports, reveal about life today?

'Truckstop' was presented in a rehearsed reading at the Gate Theatre in August 2013, following collaboration between Kate O'Connor and Stephanie Williams. The performers were Edd Franklin, Shenagh Govan and Esther Smith. We are planning a production for 2014, and welcome expressions of interest from venues and supporters.

This translation by Rina Vergano of Lot Vekemans’ play TRUCKSTOP was commissioned by Stichtling M.A.M., The Netherlands    

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