Young & Hungry 2009 in full SWING!

Media Release: Young and Hungry

Young & Hungry 2009 in full SWING!

With the Young and Hungry Festival of new plays kicking off at BATS Theatre in July, we caught up with some participants to hear how rehearsals are going for these three exciting new New Zealand plays!
 

OYSTER
By Vivian Plum
 
Despite the showcases for this year's Young and Hungry Festival still at beginning stages, it's all go for Rachel More, director of Oyster. "We will really get into the hard work this weekend! With all the scenes being so separate, it's great. It gives us a lot of room for experimentation and creative surprises later on in the rehearsal process."

Selection is definitely something More can relate to with regards to this production. "There are many paths the characters in Oyster are able to take and challenge us to think about how we view the world and what we are really searching for."

"The fact that Oyster is made up of scenes and monologues means that actors get to practice two really different elements of acting, which is great for actors in this show." More responds when asked what drew her to the play. "Also the quirky characters and the slightly surreal world of the play was what captivated me. I'm really excited!"

SIT ON IT
By Georgina Tithridge

How do you rehearse a comedy set in the Ladies Room of a busy Wellington nightclub? “Carefully!” laughs director Lyndee Jane Rutherford. “We started rehearsal by telling each other stories of other peoples experiences of nightclub bath rooms – the one that sticks in my mind was about someone vomiting in the toilets whilst pashing – that’s dedicated . . . and gross!”

“I love the modern-ness of Sit On It,” says Rutherford. “I love that the young actors and crew immediately responded to it, related to it and laughed with it. When we did character work their imaginations went wild because they were able to put these characters in the schools and areas of Wellington – which shows how real these characters are that George (Titheridge) has written. The audience might even see aspects themselves on stage!”

When pushed about any surprises in the production Lyndee-Jane is mysterious
“Our main areas of revelation revolve around how well we light the toilets, to moon or not to moon and what we make the faux vomit out of!”
 
 
URBAN HYMNS
By Miria George

“To me Urban Hymns explores a world of youth that many people may not have been exposed to or experienced,” said Mani Dunlop, who plays troubled spirit Blue. “The play deals with many different aspects of teenagers’ lives in today’s society”.
 
Loss of identity and not knowing where you belong are reoccurring themes in Miria George’s first Young and Hungry play Urban Hymns. And like all modern teenagers, these characters are willing to learn more about the world, which caused Dunlop to feel a strong connection to with her character.
 
“Blue represents a lot of qualities that are seen in teenage girls today which are the need for attention and a sense of belonging and aspiration which Blue explores throughout the play.”

“Characters do not have a very stable or ideal family environment which many people experience or see everyday. Many situations are relatable creating a sense of bonding between the characters and audience.”
 

YOUNG AND HUNGRY
BATS THEATRE
10-25 JULY
www.bats.co.nz

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