Arguably, in an age of modernity young people are
increasingly accused off apathy. An era of video games, the internet and 3D
cinema young people are often considered consumers rather than creators.
Of course, London is a capital that is recognised worldwide for its contribution to the exiting and innovative performing arts scene. The young actors of college theatre companies have been lifted from the comfort of local shows and catapulted on the stage of the National Theatre, as if a dream they all expressed.
Undoubtedly, a theatre company is far more a family than a
company of colleagues. The cast of ‘The Ritual’ all admitted to the bubble-like
creation of a theatre world, in which such a vast amount of time in close
proximities with one another is spent, that personal jokes and feeling
completely at home in collective company was bound to follow. It’s a world that
was described by one cast member as ‘difficult to shut down’, almost all
consuming, but, in an exciting, albeit exhausting, way.
Organised chaos would be the suitable description for the
behind-the-scenes atmosphere. Time was
of the essence as, quite literally, last minute tweaks were made to the
characterisations and performances. Yet, I was given the impression that the
theatre companies were not dictatorial, the director would often ask ‘How do
you feel?’, this appeared to me a vital question that encouraged mutual
understanding and a more confident performance.
Of course, theatre is not just about the performance, but,
what is equally and sometimes more important is the making of the show. Crewmembers
have an important role to play and Hayley Wareham at 23 was the mother hen of
her assigned theatre group. Duties varied from ensuring she did not lose cast
members to the labyrinth (otherwise known as the National Theatre), keeping
them watered and fed and neutralising any nervous energy they displayed.
Perhaps, not the most glamorous job running around the building getting sweaty
she explained, but, fundamental to the theatre process. Interestingly, what she
noticed most was the respect young people have for the theatre.
It may have been a showcase of young talent, but, the way in
which they dealt with the scripts and the dramatisation was very adult. Many of
the themes in the plays are quite sinister. Allowing young people to explore
serious themes pays homage to the belief in their ability to understand
complexities of humankind and deal with them in relatable ways.
Director, Denny Smith, of The Ritual spoke honestly about the ease at which adults can
underestimate young people’s ability to adapt to new and challenging
experiences. Expressing that, despite the students of Rotherham College in
South Yorkshire being BTEC students that theatre is not about grades, but,
telling stories that people want to hear. His face was lit with immense pride
in his students, ‘I want this to change their lives as professionals and as a
person.’ I think he needn’t worry, it seemed to me as if it already had.
It is refreshing when young people are given a platform in
society and the Connections Festival seemed a humbling experience for all: the
writers, the directors, the producers and of course the ever-talented actors.
It was a real joy to
watch not just the performances, but, journey the rollercoaster-like experience
of the production company- just like unwrapping a special gift.
I strongly believe that if you’re passionate enough about
something then it is hard not to get it right. The thing with young people is
that there is still a degree of fearlessness that promotes hope, self-belief
and the capacity to be a dreamer.
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