The show, written by Phil Woods is a modern version of the 14^th Century original.  In Chaucer’s Middle English work, some two dozen tales are told by a group of pilgrims travelling from London to Canterbury.  In this version, eight of the tales are presented as part of an annual ‘Geoffrey Chaucer Canterbury Tales Storytelling Competition’.  The featured tales reflect the variety of the original with presentations that feature heroic love, singing hens, slapstick and a healthy dose of near the knuckle humour.  In fact the show is described as ‘bold, boisterous and bawdy’ and director John Haswell said; “the approach adopted by the company is best described as ‘Carry on Canterbury’.  Some of the original tales are very rude and this is reflected in the show.  However, it is hopefully a very funny show in the tradition of much of British comedy.  For the young cast one of the most difficult tasks has been to adopt different theatrical styles for the tales and perform some of these in a manner that reflect elements of the worst excesses of amateur dramatics.”

The production features a company of 30 who have worked intensively on the show for the past month, giving up much of their school holidays.  Featuring live music by Philip Taylor and technical design by David Wagstaff, the production promises to feature all the creativity and flair associated with the nationally renowned company but unusually, with less of the angst and misery that define so many of the productions.

This vulgar romp through the nether regions of medieval storytelling is performed at the Garrison Theatre on Thursday 27^th and Friday 28^th August at 7.30pm.  On Saturday 29^th August there is a performance at 2.30 pm.  Tickets priced £7/£5 (concessions) are available from Shetland Box Office on Lerwick 745555.

The company will soon be finalising plans for their summer project.  This is likely to be ‘ Canterbury Tales’ with rehearsals starting at the end of July with perfromances at the end of August

A major theatre event is being performed in Yell tonight and tomorrow night. The members of Shetland Youth Theatre are combining with those from YUF Theatre Shetland to perform Blackout by Glasgow writer Davey Anderson.

The production is being performed as part of New Connections the celebration of youth theatre organised by the National Theatre. Every year, the National commissions leading contemporary playwrights to create a piece specifically for youth groups. Participating companies perform these in their home communities and at regional showcases. Both SYT and YUF have participated individually in the past, presenting work in Inverness, Helsinki, Edinburgh and London. This is the first time they have pooled their talents to perform a show.

Blackout has been created from interviews between the playwright and a young offender in Glasgow. Using many of the techniques of verbatim theatre it tells the young man’s view of his own journey that leads to him being charged with attempted murder. It is a short, hard hitting (literally) play that raises deep questions about society, youth identity, violence and the justice system. Lesley Gray from Yell Youth Café (partners with Shetland Arts) said “although the show is based around the experiences of one young man, there are many resonances with the lives of all young people. It is just the right piece to stimulate discussion between young people and it is wonderful that the groups could combine on this production. The play also demands that before we rush in with condemnation, the rest of us question the world that is our legacy to the young.”

This is by no means a traditional script, being the (true or deluded) thoughts of one individual. To emphasise this, the company has taken many of the conventions of theatre and turned them on their head. It is hoped that the result will be a ‘performance installation’ as much as a theatre production. Director John Haswell said “part of the role of a youth theatre is to explore different forms of theatre presentation. This show is an ideal vehicle for that. We have adopted an approach that should really bring the material home to an audience as well as broadening the vision of how relevant and accessible theatre can be”.

Blackout is being performed at Mid Yell Hall. It is hoped that it will be performed in Lerwick in May before transferring to the Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh in June.

The show lasts just over 20 minutes and there are two performances each night at 7.30 and 8.15. Seating capacity is limited and although admission is free (collection box towards cost of the Edinburgh trip) booking is advisable. Bookings can be made from Shetland Box Office on Lerwick 745555. Because of the content, it is advised that the production is suitable for a teenage/adult audience.

ends
Editor’s Notes

Shetland Arts Development Agency will receive £156,803 from the Scottish Arts Council towards the cost of foundation funding for 2008/09 to support its role in promoting and developing the arts in Shetland and assisting individual practitioners to achieve their creative potential.