Recently I have been able to attend two plays.
The first was at the Chickenshed Theatre: the King's Web. The second was at the Finborough Theatre: Fen.
The King’s Web had a story within a story but was about insurrection and popular revolt and was eerily in tune with what is going on right now politically. In the opening scenes particularly, the uprisings in the Egypt and Tunisia come to mind. It is about people and nations and the continuity of the stories that represent the people. The performers, who were mainly young, must have felt the connection. Another impression was the business of the stage, lots of people and physical action. Adrian as the King got hauled up overhead in this ballet, and it was rather unexpected but definitely in line with the sensibilities of inclusive theatre. There was another small actress who strode the stage with such conviction that she moved the action as much as larger stage-wide dance scenes. Not being familiar with the play, it did help to purchase the brochure that explained the origins, updating and story within a story aspect. It was also great to see all the Chickenshed performers who are taking the BAPP degree; it really brought home the importance of the performance careers and the specialist talent
Fen was set in the 1980’s and was based on Norfolk history. It had some strong storylines that included child abuse and suicide and well as the plight of women workers in rural England, and the demise of rural homeland farms. The actors portrayed several characters throughout the play, and this was fascinating to see. The small set at the Finborough was also incredibly succinct in its description of and allowed the actors to shine as they negotiated the props, which became more meaningful as they had to represent time, place and character. Very compelling action and depictions.
It's great to hear about Fen as I sadly missed it - it clashed dates with the show that I was doing. I had a friend (Elicia) in it and I am actually currently working with another actress (Rosie) who was in it too. Along the lines of professional networks, it just goes to show what a small world it is and how useful it can be to see other's work and discuss it. You never know who you might be working with next and at venues like the Finborough, a lot of up and coming directors start out. In fact, my first ever paid acting job came from a director I had worked with at The Finborough for free. A great, great venue for encouraging talent and they make some brave and interesting programme choices.
ReplyDeleteI missed of both these performances which is gutting since it sounds like work that I would have really enjoyed. Its funny because I am in the musical theatre/acting industry myself yet I did not here a great deal about these plays.There are so many people in the profession as well as out of it who would enjoy this work but dont have access to the information due to lack of marketing which of course costs money. Im glad you enjoyed the shows. Your post reminded me of a play I was in recently 'Amphibians' at The Bridewell Theatre. The director of this play also pushed physical theatre boundaries by connecting movement choreography and script so closely and using a stage and a victorian swimming pool basin construct as a performance space.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteStephanie - and others now - I wrote this a week ago on my iphone but just figured out how to send it from notes to my email address...
ReplyDeleteYes Stephanie. I have had this reply ready for you fir a week- but with the travelling this week could not get the web access on the train to post it. Is it possible to have train-lag ( as opposed to jet-lag)!
There are many incredibly talented and helpful professionals out there. Finding them may take looking in the right places for each individual. Seems simple but as we all know it's not. As an audience, many people rely on the ability of theatres like the Finborough to introduce new talent and it has a role to play that goes beyond individual productions. The people and the places are so necessary and instrumental for bringing people along, thus a crucial resource to the wider community of people. It makes me wonder about what other professionals have said about similar venues and early career opportunities (?).
Sent from my iPhone
Joannah thanks for that - yes you have a very interesting point about being 'in the know' about what is being performed. WN makes the point that when a well-know director is in London - there is a buzz where everyone is aware that they are looking for talent. From the audience's point of view, which would be my position, in the regional London (and beyond) theatres, audiences can comprise of a fan-base that comes to all of the plays, thus giving new-comers and veterans equal billing and support. There is an expectation that the professional putting on the plays will provide 'pushing the boundaries' experiences for their audiences. It is an ancient ritual of play/performer/audience.
ReplyDelete