Free Film Screening Offers Audiences Deeper Look into Life of “Loot” Playwright Joe Orton

To kick off its third production of the season, “Loot” by Joe Orton, Westport Country Playhouse will host a free film screening of “Prick Up Your Ears,” the 1987 film adaptation of Orton’s biography starring Gary Oldman, Alfred Molina, and Vanessa Redgrave, and directed by Stephen Frears.

The screening will take place on Sunday, July 14 at 4 p.m. in the Playhouse’s Sheffer Studio and is free-of-charge by reserving through the Playhouse box office at (203) 227-4177. Free popcorn and beverages will be available.

 David Kennedy, Playhouse associate artistic director and director of “Loot,” will introduce the film. An informal discussion will immediately follow the screening.

“Prick Up Your Ears” is the story of the spectacular life and violent death of Orton (1933-1967), who, in addition to “Loot,” wrote “What the Butler Saw” and “Entertaining Mr. Sloane.” The film explores the relationship between Orton and his lover, Kenneth Halliwell, who were both writers. When Orton’s star began to rise, and Halliwell wasn’t taken along for the ride, their relationship began to disintegrate with tragic results.

The recipient of three nominations from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA), as well as a Golden Globe nomination, “Prick Up Your Ears” won the award for Best Artistic Contribution at the 1987 Cannes Film Festival.

Orton’s “Loot,” winner of the coveted Evening Standard Award for Best Play in 1967, will be staged at the Playhouse July 16 through Aug. 3. Set in mid-1960s London, “Loot” follows the fortunes of two young thieves, Dennis, who works for an undertaker, and Hal, whose Mum has just died. They rob the bank next door to the funeral home and hide the loot in Mum's coffin, displacing Mum whose body keeps re-appearing at the most inopportune times. When Inspector Truscott turns up, the already thickened plot goes topsy-turvy.

“Loot” single ticket prices, starting at $30, are subject to change based on availability. Buy early for the best prices. Educators and students are eligible for 50 percent discounts. On the day of a performance, senior rush tickets are available at 50 percent. Flex Passes are also on sale, offering date flexibility and many subscriber-only benefits.

For more information or tickets, call the box office at (203) 227-4177, or toll-free at 1-888-927-7529, or visit Westport Country Playhouse at 25 Powers Court, off Rt. 1 in Westport. Tickets are available online 24/7 at www.westportplayhouse.org, or by using the new Playhouse App or mobile website.