Stage: Connections 2012
The Academy of Creative Training presents a new play as part of the National Theatre’s Festival of New Writing
National Theatre Connections is a nationwide celebration of new playwriting for young people. In March 2012, Chichester Festival Theatre will host a regional festival with a dozen School Companies and Youth Theatre Groups from the South East.
This year they have commissioned 10 new internationally inspired plays for young performers from some of the most exciting writers in the world today. From Manchester to Brazil young people have helped give these 10 new and invigorating plays an authentic voice – and they’re now ready to have life breathed into them by young actors. All of these plays have been written with actors of any nationality or racial background in mind.
Journey To X is written by Nancy Harris and directed by Tegen Hitchens with Brighton’s very own Academy of Creative Training (the South East’s only professional Drama School) present this exciting new play as part of the National Theatre’s Festival of New Writing for young people.
A group of friends have formed a new band. Now all they have to do is raise the money 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. Penny is 14 and pregnant but only her closest friends know.
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.
It is a tale about friendship, a journey and the risks that teenagers take when plunged into an adult world. National Theatre Connections Festival provides a fantastic platform for Brighton’s talented young actors to perform a brilliant piece of new writing. The company of teen actors represent Brighton in all its diversity and vibrancy. From actors and stage managers to sound operators and set designers, each stage of the process is managed by young people with guidance and training from experienced theatre directors.
Journey To X features a special guest appearance from Muhala Mtonga, experienced dancer/choreographer as seen in SNAP Dance Night and Move It, London’s biggest dance event.
Journey To X, The Old Market, Brighton, Sat 17–Sun 18 March. Box Office 01273 201801; and Chichester Festival Theatre, Sat 24 March. Box office 01243 781312
www.cft.org.uk
