Writers: Josh Azouz; Alexis Zegerman
Directors: Anna Bradley and Melissa Wooller; Kelly Fairhurst
Who can forget their first visit to the theatre? Strange, indelible, mesmerising, something like stepping into another world. Unless you are from a thespian-loving, middle-class family, it’s more typically an experience accessed through school and probably would be Shakespeare. Danielle, a teacher from Ousedale School in Newport Pagnell explains, “I have students who love acting/performing but have never had the opportunity to step inside a theatre or see a performance. The Connections Festival provided that and so much more.”
In this 29th year of the National Theatre’s Connections, a nationwide theatre festival, over 250 UK schools, colleges and youth theatre companies have staged one of 10 new plays, commissioned by the National Theatre, performed at 33 participating partner theatres and art centres with over 6,000 young people taking part. All written by cutting-edge, contemporary playwrights for performers aged 13 and upwards, the 10 plays developed in dialogue with young people through workshops reflect authentic voices and genuine concerns.
How many people were sitting inside a theatre for the first time last night? How many were being given the experience of a lifetime and will be inspired to take their passion further? The excitement and energy at the Dorfman is palpable for yesterday’s two plays. The first, Kiss/ Marry/ Push Off Cliff by Josh Azouz (Once Upon a Time in Nazi-Occupied Tunisia; The Mikvah Project) was performed by pupils at Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School in Aylesbury and directed by Anna Bradley and Melissa Wooller. Six friends who’ve just finished their A levels go on a celebratory camping trip but one, Marco played by Annabelle Francis-Baker, causes offence and is “ex-communicated” by the rest and cast into the wilderness to fend for themselves. The morals and motives explored in this lively one-hour piece have light touch echoes of Lord of the Flies brought to life by the whole cast.
The opening scene is dazzling. Set to Prodigy’s Firestarter, the cast of six strike spotlighted poses in a tableau vivant of life and colour. Laughter runs throughout, especially when one of the remaining camp tries to buy “acid” from Gavin, a dodgy dealer in a Ford Fiesta. The tabs turn out to be humble Mentos with an ‘A’ scratched on. But the star of the show is Franky the dog. A shaggy creature, spookily inhabited by puppeteer, Louis Howley, speaks his thoughts. In between muttering profundities on life and the universe, he leaves us with the immortal words: “Sniff. Sniff. Bum. Bum.” The technical team: Grace Linford (light & sound) Tommy Kretzchmar (projection and projection mapping) and Alex Mason (technician) all do a sterling job in transporting audiences to the South Coast’s Beachy Head in this engaging and entertaining ensemble piece.
How ‘difference’ is dealt with by the larger group or society is the theme that links these two plays. Shout by Alexis Zegerman (The Fever Syndrome; Holy Shit) follows Dana, beguilingly played by Lola Faith, who has selective mutism. In this riotous and energetic production, directed by Kelly Fairhurst, finding, and using one’s voice, to be heard, communicate, and make meaning is the key lever in a play that explores being different in an age of anxiety. Peopled by a cast of seemingly thousands from Stockton Riverside College, this is like The Kids from Fame rewritten with British authenticity and joyous quirkiness. The dialogue here is sharp, sparky, and authentic and it’s in the Freaks and Geeks club where everyone comes together to create their own utopia where it’s the normative world that is recontextualised as odd, restricting, and dull. Here everyone has a voice, and everyone is heard.
It is a salutary experience to see the performing arts not only deliver such vibrant and relevant theatre but to witness how it has the power to change lives. The work on show last night is a testament to the hard work, creativity, and vision of all those who deliver and participate in Connections. Long may it continue.
Reviewed on 26 June 2024
The National Theatre Connections Festival runs until 29 June 2024
