A stage play inspired by a classic photo of Joy Division opened as part of Manchester's Greater Fringe Festival last night (Ian Curtis' birthday). The production, New Dawn Fades: The Story of Joy Division, was written by actor/artist Brian Gorman, who recently explained to the Manchester Evening News that the play isn't a Joy Division tribute:
"It's definitely NOT a tribute - it's about the people...my play combines the band's history with the history of Manchester and Salford taking inspiration from Curtis's enigmatic lyrics.
This is the classic story of 4 ordinary lads who, inspired by the punk revolution of the 1970s, came together to form one of the most influential bands of all time."
New Dawn Fades: The Story of Joy Division runs for a three-day limited engagement. Tickets for the production sold out well in advance, and proceeds benefit MIND (mental help non-profit organization in the U.K.).
Gorman is also reportedly releasing a graphic novel based around the same concept as the stage play in August.