New drama group aiming to create ‘thought-provoking theatre’ announces first production
A NEW theatre group has formed in Shetland and is set to hold its first production in February.
Red Shoes Theatre has been created by Stephenie Georgia, who runs the ALICE Theatre Project and has directed productions for Islesburgh Drama Group and for Shetland Youth Theatre.
The first Red Shoes Theatre production will be My Mother Said I Never Should by Charlotte Keatley.
It will be performed in Mareel on Wednesday 18 February, with tickets available now – including ones at a reduced cost for people or households on low incomes.
Written in 1985 and first staged at the Contact Theatre in Manchester, Keatley’s award-winning play is said to be the most commonly performed work by a female playwright worldwide.
The play details the lives of four women through the immense social changes of the 20th century.
Using a kaleidoscopic time structure, Charlotte Keatley’s story focuses on four generations of one family as they confront the most significant moments of their lives.
It will feature Martha Robertson as Doris, Lauryn Reid as Margaret, Isobel Pagulayan as Jackie and Nayana Stephen as Rosie.
Georgia, who has also written and directed socially engaged theatre work in collaboration with local organisations Shetland Women’s Aid, Shetland Domestic Abuse Partnership and the Compass Centre, said: “I have been looking for a place for a long time where I can tell the stories that interest me and work with talented, passionate people who want to tell them with me.
“This is where Red Shoes Theatre has been born. It is our intention to create thought provoking theatre including working with new writing and staging contemporary plays in interesting ways.
“I have the privilege of working with a group of four talented young local actors who between them are playing characters across four generations and five decades of their lives – a challenge they are rising to with professionalism and bravery.
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“We are a small, but mighty production team doing all elements of our show from set design, stage management, technical design, costume and prop research and design and everything else that comes long with a complex intriguing show like this. And it is proving to be a wonderful adventure.
“We are grateful for the support of Shetland Arts in bringing this show to Mareel and we are excited to explore touring the show outside of Lerwick.”
She said Red Shoes Theatre is also in discussion with the Brae Hall to perform there following the debut show, and the company is keen to hear from any other local halls who would be interested in hosting the production throughout February.
Anyone interested in hosting the production is asked to contact redshoestroupe@gmail.com.
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