More Pies and a Journey to X at The Playhouse
Journey to X cast members, seated from left, Mark Oakley, Sunita Singh Hans, Damien Coyle, Rhianna McPartland, Aine Harkin and David Doherty. Standing, from left, Steven Graydan, Steven Wakeley, director, Brogan Wakeley, assistant director, Dylan Donaghy and Joseph Wells. (1402PG60)
A vibrant new production company took over the theatre at Derry’s Playhouse this week showcasing some of the city’s finest youth theatre talent.
Oakgrove College Drama Teacher Steve Wakeley and his son Brogan - a moving image arts graduate - have combined their artistic abilities and formed their own company. And with the unforgettable name ‘More Pies’ the duo are set to get the city’s film and theatre audiences talking.
This week Steve, together with ten young actors from the city, treated local fans of the stage to a performance of Nancy Harris’ ‘Journey to X’. Harris whose plays have been staged in Dublin’s Abbey Theatre is one of a number of writers involved in the Connections project,
“As a teacher I’ve always been interested in the Connections project,” explains Steve.
“Every year the National Theatre has commissioned ten plays by British and international writers, exploring stories from around the world to inspire young theatre companies across the UK.
“Connections gives young theatre companies the chance to stage a brand new play, written for actors aged 13-19. They get the chance to perform in their home venue, which in our case is The Playhouse, and at a festival with other Connections companies.”
Steve told the ‘Sunday Journal’ that the play’s plot had struck a chord with the teenagers involved.
“It’s an Irish story which has universal appeal,” he explains.
“Harris has a great ear for dialogue and during rehearsals I think all of the cast felt they recognised the characters.”
The plot centres around a group of friends who have formed a new band. The play finds them raising the money they need to get to London to audition for the world’s biggest talent contest.
Costumes, songs and fundraising techniques may divide opinion but one girl has a far more important choice to make. Their journey for fame and fortune is really a journey for something far less glamorous. Something their country doesn’t approve of, something their parents wouldn’t condone. In a culture of instant fame and talent-show ‘stories’, the importance of life and friendship come to the fore.
The play is described as “a tale about friendship, a journey and the risks that teenagers take when plunged into an adult world.”
“We’re really excited about it and the young people are thrilled that we’re getting to perform at The Playhouse. While the Connections festival is being held at the Belfast Opera House in April in front of even bigger audiences I think our young people are more excited about performing here in Derry!”
Steve and his son Brogan meanwhile are awaiting funding to tour the critically acclaimed ‘We Were Brothers’ production during the summer.
“We’re also in the process of producing a short film so there’s plenty to keep us going at the moment,” he says.
“We’re looking forward to Derry’s year as City of Culture too. I left Merseyside to come over here just before their city of culture celebrations but I’m not going anywhere this time!”
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Sunday 27 May 2012
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