SENIOR members of a youth theatre group are in rehearsals for a performance of a play involving aliens, abductions and a professional choreographer.
Turrets Youth Theatre will put on Spacewang, a short play written by Tom Wells, next month. This will be the first production that the current group has staged. They have working with dale artist and Turrets director Rupert Philbrick during weekly sessions at The Witham to develop their ideas for the show.
The play revolves around a teenage girl called Nora, as the audience catch glimpses of her life in northern England. It is the anniversary of her mum’s disappearance and Nora, who is convinced she can communicate with aliens (Spacewangs mainly, but also Cosmonads), believes that it was these self same aliens that abducted her mum. Why else would only her sandals have been found on the beach?
While developing the show, the senior Turrets were able to work with visiting movement coach and choreographer Lizzie Klotz during the half term holidays.
This was supported by Teesdale Action Partnership funding, so that Turrets could enjoy a series of six workshops, bringing professionals to work with the group in Teesdale.
Director Rupert Philbrick said: “The opportunity to work with Lizzie was a real breakthrough.
“Having someone external to the group come in and share their professional experience with participants really helped to enhance our early ideas for the show.
“As well as rehearsing Spacewang, participants had the chance to sit and talk with Lizzie about how she has established her career as a dancer, choreographer and artist and the steps she has taken through education and employment to build her current international profile.”
Ms Klotz said: “It was really great to spend a day working with Turrets – a vibrant, energetic and aspiring group of young women. I cannot wait to see all of the hard work amount to a wonderful performance of Spacewang in July.”
The curtain rises on Wednesday, July 11, at 7.30pm. To book tickets, visit the Witham Box office in person or online.
For details about the Turrets, email theturretsofficial@gmail.com
