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'Blackout' by Davey Anderson - Spring Production 2010

 

Dramaworks’ spring productions are becoming legendary in the Academy for their vision and vitality. 'Burying your Brother' in 2008 went on to the Olivier Theatre at the National in London, while 'Fugee' in 2009 went on to be performed at the Scottish Parliament.

The Academy's Chandler Studio on 25, 26 and 27 March 2010 will host the Dramaworks' spring production which will be 'Blackout' by Davey Anderson. But will you be in it?

Previous Dramaworks young companies have wowed themselves and others with the scale of the learning, ownership and power of the artform within these productions and we are certain that the 'Blackout' company, whoever they are, will experience no less.

'Blackout' by Davey Anderson is a fictionalised account of the real-life events that led to a teenager being charged with attempted murder. It is a short but powerful play based on the verbatim account of a seventeen year old who had committed a violent crime.

'Blackout' offers a hard-hitting text from a particular Glasgow and very contemporary perspective. Yet the story and themes resonate with other cities and youth culture across the UK and beyond. The characters in this play are far from the media’s impression of a stereotypical two-dimensional young thug.

The spring production will be directed by Amanda Gaughan, with design by Jamie Mackay and costume by Christine Murphy.

If you would like to know more about participating in the production (either on-stage or back-stage), please contact Gary Gardiner, Dramaworks' Senior Producer on 0141 332 4101 (ext: 402).  

 
Director's Note:
 
Essentially, 'Blackout' looks at youth culture and the increasing use of violence to gain territory and respect: a distorted perception of self and how others perceive you. Not being seen as an individual but instead as the faceless teenager who society will brand as the same as all the other hooligan teenagers.
 
As James’ story could potentially happen to anyone, the lead role will be shared between the members of the ensemble and be played by both genders. All members of the ensemble will be engaged with either the playing the main role or through a physical or character-based reaction to James' situation and actions.
 
We will use our production of 'Blackout' to challenge the pre-conceived and negative notion that labels young people in contemporary society.  In the rehearsal room we will compile everything that we feel is relevant to our understanding of the setting: research from visual imagery, film, music and objects will combine of course, with the provocative text itself.  We will research, discuss and workshop the highly resonant ideas that underpin ‘Blackout’ as we find and develop the rules of staging our ensemble-led performance through character, movement, live music and imagery.   
 
There is an urgency and rhythm running throughout the piece alongside an intimacy where the protagonist is sharing his/her darkest hours with the audience. Therefore, the fourth wall will be broken with direct address to and interaction with our audience.
 
I look forward to working with you.
 
Amanda Gaughan
Director
'Blackout' by Davey Anderson