A NEW dark comedy shining a light on the life of composer Johannes Brahms is coming to Dorchester.

Oysters follows the action on New Year's Day in 1879, at a party celebrating the first performance of Brahms' Violin Concerto. When the composer's genius is overshadowed by his self-destructive and highly perfectionist ego, the celebrations take a drastic turn. At the centre of this innovative play lies the question: why do we create art, and what price must we pay to do so?

Act 1 consists of the play itself, while Act 2 features a live violinist playing during the piece. The German composer, pianist and conductor of the Romantic period was often grouped with Bach and Beethoven as one of the three Bs of classical music.

Oysters is being performed at Dorchester Corn Exchange on June 5, as part of a UK tour which follows the play's success at this year's Adelaide Fringe.

It was co-produced by Neil Salvage and Nicholas Collett, both of whom have extensive experience in theatre and who also star in the play. Mr Salvage has starred in productions at the Royal National Theatre and the Old Vic in London, while Mr Collett has worked with the Royal Shakespeare Company and in the West End.

Oysters is directed by freelance director Amy Bonsall, who has worked on a number of successful touring productions. With an interest in international theatre, Amy has been involved with productions being performed in South Africa and Malawi, and is an associate artistic director for the global theatre company, Bilimankhwe. She also lectures at drama schools and universities across the UK.

To buy tickets for the play, contact the box office at Dorchester Arts Centre or visit their website.

*Oysters, Dorchester Corn Exchange, 8pm on Wednesday, June 5, £14 (£12 for members).