13 episodes

Nation is a National Theatre production from 2009 written by Mark Ravenhill, adapted from Terry Pratchett’s novel. Set in a parallel world in 1860, two teenagers are thrown together by a tsunami that has destroyed Mau’s village and left Daphne shipwrecked on his South Pacific island, thousands of miles from home. Neither speaks the other’s language; but somehow they must learn to survive. Together they come of age, as they discard old doctrine to forge a new Nation. Live music, thrilling dance and spectacular puppets combine to bring to life the spectacular and surprising world of Terry Pratchett's Nation on the National Theatre stage.

Nation National Theatre

    • Arts

Nation is a National Theatre production from 2009 written by Mark Ravenhill, adapted from Terry Pratchett’s novel. Set in a parallel world in 1860, two teenagers are thrown together by a tsunami that has destroyed Mau’s village and left Daphne shipwrecked on his South Pacific island, thousands of miles from home. Neither speaks the other’s language; but somehow they must learn to survive. Together they come of age, as they discard old doctrine to forge a new Nation. Live music, thrilling dance and spectacular puppets combine to bring to life the spectacular and surprising world of Terry Pratchett's Nation on the National Theatre stage.

    • video
    Dressing Emily

    Dressing Emily

    Emily Taaffe is dressed in her 19th century costume for Daphne in Nation.

    • 1 min
    • video
    Nation introductory film

    Nation introductory film

    First seen before the broadcast of Nation as a part of NT Live, this film features interviews with author Terry Pratchett, director Melly Stills and members of the cast and crew. Discussing the challenges of creating a production for children, the research into the history and culture of the world of the play, and bringing the world to life with music, puppetry and choreography, this film offers a perfect introduction to the themes and ideas behind the production.

    • 5 min
    • video
    Melly Stills talks about Nation

    Melly Stills talks about Nation

    Director and co-designer Melly Stills talks about the process of bringing Nation to the stage. From finding inspiration in Terry Practhett's original novel, assembling a creative team and working with the company through the rehearsal period, she discusses the complex challenges of bringing a magical world to life.

    • 7 min
    • video
    Interview with Mark Ravenhill

    Interview with Mark Ravenhill

    Mark Ravenhill talks about what interested him about adapting Nation on stage and describes the virtues of the story.

    • 3 min
    Character profile - William Polgrave

    Character profile - William Polgrave

    William Polgrave talks about how he became a sailor, getting caught up in the storm, and being shipwrecked.

    • 5 min
    Character profile - Caita

    Character profile - Caita

    Caita talks about the life she had before the wave came.

    • 9 min

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