I spoke to Annette Mees from Coney (www.youhavefoundconey.net) about the project, where it came from and where it's going to. She highlighted that Early Days is no traditional play, but rather almost a game, a space for discussion and sharing ideas. Because national identity is something which has very different meanings depending on where you are and who you talk to, the piece will grow and change as audiences react to it.
As mentioned in the interview, beyond getting live audience reactions, Coney are very interested in gathering opinions through Twitter. Follow @agencyofconey to get involved.
Early Days of a Better Nation is also just one of many interactive, thought-provoking pieces that Coney are working on at the moment, all across the country. It's well worth checking out their website to see when they are coming to a theatre near you.
A scratch performance of Early Days of a Better Nation will take place at Chapter Arts Centre on Thursday 17th May, with tickets at just £1. Stay tuned to #earlydays to follow the discussion.
I'm really interested in their work.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like it must be incredibly challenging to try and make something with meaning, as they are doing, but undoubtedly it must also be incredibly rewarding.
I think the aspect of physicality, and direct emotion created from such unexpected spaces' and interactions must be powerful. I know from experience how hard it is to create a powerful experience in the digital realm, then again maybe it is possible.