THEATRE PREVIEW - Dream/Play

Stage@Leeds 28/04 - 01/05

By Hannah Astill

This new show, an assessed piece by third year Performance and Cultural Industries students, is set to be an explosion of imagination, interaction and energy. Using A Dream Play by August Strindberg (arguably one of Sweden’s most influential writers) as a stimulus, PCI’s Dream/Play branches off from its source, adding the group’s own interpretations, dreams and reactions to create an entirely new experience. Natasha Hamilton-Ely (group manager and PR officer) describes it as “going to the extreme with experimentation,” while Elena Hewett (one of the production’s performers) hopes to “achieve that sense that anything can happen.”

Both emphasise the production as being “design-led” and “visually appealing,” a culmination of lighting, projection, voice-overs and performance helping to create a chaotic playground where surrealism can breed. Within this there is also an interactive element in which “audience members are invited to play.” But do not start eyeing up the exits in fear of being picked fr­­­­­­om the audience kicking and screaming, as both fervently insi

st that the aim is to create an experience that is enjoyable. “It’s not going to be forcing the audience out of their comfort zone. We’re not looking to frighten anyone!”

With this in mind, both insist that the audience are absolutely essential to the production, not only to fill up seats but also to be interactive observers. Speaking from an acting point in particular, Hewett cannot wait. “Even within a straight play the audience bring it to life, because there is that give and take of energy. But with Dream/Play, it is particularly exciting as the energy transaction is that much closer.”

Running three shows each night for four consecutive  days  (at 5pm, 7pm and 9pm) will be a big challenge, showing the commitment of both cast and crew to creating an entirely new experience within performance. And for such a show, there is really no point in having preconceptions, as accurately expecting anything would be impossible. It is the epitome of something entirely different. Hamilton-Ely sums it up: “It’s not the usual ‘sit-down-and-look-at-the-stage’ format; the barrier between the audience and performers has been completely broken. It’s a huge experience. Expect the unexpected.

We wouldn’t expect any less.

£6.50/£8 tickets at www.stage.leeds.ac.uk or call the box office on 01133438730.