Her Majesty’s Young Offenders Institution Polmont
4 stars
For the last three months, six young offenders aged between 16-21 have worked intensely with professional playwrights, directors, actors and drama workers from Edinburgh’s Traverse Theatre to pen a set of brand new short plays. The end result, as demonstrated in the world premiere of the works before an invited audience of prison staff, family and the young authors themselves, was startling. Each piece may have been performed script-in-hand in a stark gym hall with no lights or set, but the place was transformed by writers who can only be referred to by their first names, but who should be proud.
Michael’s play, Graveyard Shift, opened proceedings with a bold theatrical statement, as each actor spoke to the audience directly in Greek style monologues from their father’s graveside. What followed was a near biblical tale of sibling rivalry, double bluffs and hired hit-men. Second Chance by Willie is a moving look into a troubled man’s mind and how he finds his way to some kind of future. In Joseph’s piece, Northern Lights, best friends fall out on an epic scale, Chrissie’s The Trip is a funny but damning tale of drug-induced torpor, while James’s Meeting John turns chance meetings into something darker. Finally, Rabbie’s Jungle Play is a hilarious leap into the undergrowth in which survival of the fittest really does count.
Performed with gusto by a cast of eight under the guidance of directors Neil Doherty and Cheryl Martin, something very special happened within Polmont’s walls on Tuesday night. For a taste of the unique voices outlined above, and why it is vital that OutWrite happens again, attendance at the project’s sole public performance at The Traverse tonight is essential.
The Herald, December 4th 2008
ends
4 stars
For the last three months, six young offenders aged between 16-21 have worked intensely with professional playwrights, directors, actors and drama workers from Edinburgh’s Traverse Theatre to pen a set of brand new short plays. The end result, as demonstrated in the world premiere of the works before an invited audience of prison staff, family and the young authors themselves, was startling. Each piece may have been performed script-in-hand in a stark gym hall with no lights or set, but the place was transformed by writers who can only be referred to by their first names, but who should be proud.
Michael’s play, Graveyard Shift, opened proceedings with a bold theatrical statement, as each actor spoke to the audience directly in Greek style monologues from their father’s graveside. What followed was a near biblical tale of sibling rivalry, double bluffs and hired hit-men. Second Chance by Willie is a moving look into a troubled man’s mind and how he finds his way to some kind of future. In Joseph’s piece, Northern Lights, best friends fall out on an epic scale, Chrissie’s The Trip is a funny but damning tale of drug-induced torpor, while James’s Meeting John turns chance meetings into something darker. Finally, Rabbie’s Jungle Play is a hilarious leap into the undergrowth in which survival of the fittest really does count.
Performed with gusto by a cast of eight under the guidance of directors Neil Doherty and Cheryl Martin, something very special happened within Polmont’s walls on Tuesday night. For a taste of the unique voices outlined above, and why it is vital that OutWrite happens again, attendance at the project’s sole public performance at The Traverse tonight is essential.
The Herald, December 4th 2008
ends
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