NTS seek Common People

Young performers sought for In Time o’ Strife project

The National Theatre of Scotland is looking for young people aged 16 – 20 to take part in its Common Man Community Project running next to the In Time o’ Strife tour, which comes to the Traverse in September.

Hannah Donaldson. Photo: Andy Ross

The NTS Learn project is inspired by playwright Joe Corrie’s poem I am The Common Man, which plays a key part in the new adaptation of the play by Graham McLarren.

The NTS is looking for those interested performing – acting as well as musicians and songwriters – who can take part in the project which runs on Sunday 6, Tuesday 9 and Saturday 13 of September.

According to the NTS: “We are looking for people who are excited about devising a piece of theatre together, who can work well as part of a creative team and who are passionate about exploring how theatre can be used to carry a positive political message. Musicians and songwriters would also be very welcome.”

passionate and thought-provoking

The project is a challenging one. It will involve creating a short piece of contemporary theatre from scratch, one with a strong political message inspired by the poem. The aim is to create a passionate and thought-provoking performance using voice work, spoken word and movement.

In Time o’ Strife is set during the final days of the 1926 miners strike in Fife when, after six months of being on strike and locked-out, the mining company try and starve the miners back to work. Relief from the parish is stopped along with the soup kitchens, which were all that kept many families from starvation.

McLarren’s heartfelt production, which plays the Traverse Tue 9 – Sat 13 September 2014 before going on tour, is run through with ritualistic dance and loud, edgy music.

Rehearsals will take place at the Traverse, with a performance before the 2.30pm matinee on Saturday 13, to which participants will get free tickets.

Further details from Philippa Tomlin at the National Theatre of Scotland:  philippa.tomlin@nationaltheatrescotland.com or phone: 0141 227 9232. NTS Learn will be organising similar projects to coincide with the other Scottish dates of the tour (see below). Contact Philippa Tomlin for further details.

Listings:

Common Man Community Project
Sat 6 Sept: 10am – 4pm; Tues 9 Sept: 6 – 8pm; Sat 13 Sept: 10am – 5pm.
Traverse Theatre, 10 Cambridge Street EH1 2ED

In Time o’ Strife
Tue 9 – Sat 13 Sept 2014
Daily: 7.30pm (Weds, Sat matinees 2.30pm).
Traverse Theatre, 10 Cambridge Street EH1 2ED

ENDS

Tags: In Time o' Strife, National Theatre of Scotland, News, NTS, Performance Opportunity, Youth Theatre