Production history
''Kursks first run was at theBackground
The ''Overview
''Kursk'' tells the story of the sinking of the ''Kursk'' from the perspective of the crew of a nearby British submarine. When they hear the explosion of the ''Kursk'' on their instruments, the captain of the British vessel is faced with a decision as to whether to go to the Russian ship's aid. The play addresses the question of what would have happened had a British submarine been watching the ''Kursk'', whether its crew would have intervened quickly enough to save some of the twenty-odd crew who survived a few hours, and the accompanying ethical and political dilemmas. In the event, the Russians refused foreign offers of aid for days.Critical reception
In 2009 Rafael Behr of '' The Observer'' wrote that "At times the plot risks submersion in the sound effects and naval jargon, but there is enough emotional engagement to navigate the drama through all the periscope-swivelling simulation." Michael Coveney of '' The Independent'' rated the play four stars and praised its recreation of the work of the submariners. Fiona Mountford of the '' Evening Standard'' praised ''Kursk'' in March 2010, writing that Lavery, Espiner and Jones "do so much right that it’s hard to know where to start." Mountford praised the writer and directors' research, the play's sound design, and "the human angle, the sense of frustration and camaraderie as these men try to carve out fragments of personal lives". Sam Marlowe of '' The Times'' also praised the 2010 production, which he described as "thrilling and, thanks to the sensitivity of Lavery's script and the production's deft pacing, deeply affecting and thoughtful too." Lyn Gardner of '' The Guardian'', described ''Kursk'' as "a remarkable piece of theatre" and praised its "immersive" approach. In 2011 Jason Blake of '' The Sydney Morning Herald'' wrote that "''Kursks blending of humour and sentiment, with Dan Jones's masterly sound design and convincing technical detail, makes for an enjoyable, rather than deeply involving, ride."Awards
Jon Bausor was nominated for an '' Evening Standard'' Theatre Award for Best Design in November 2009 for his work on ''Kursk''. The production was nominated for "Best Touring Production" at the 2010 TMA Awards. Dan Jones won the first ever Special Award for Excellence in Sound Design given by International Jury of the Prague Quadrennial 2011 for his work on ''Kursk''. The award was given jointly to Katherine Sandys for her work Hush House.References
External links
* {{cite web, url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/theatre/drama/5475465/Kursk-stricken-sub-that-led-me-into-deep-waters.html, title=Kursk: stricken sub that led me into deep waters, date=9 June 2009, work= The Daily Telegraph, first=Mark, last=Espiner British plays 2009 plays Plays based on actual events Kursk submarine disaster