COMMUNITY 

I

This is a unique opportunity to perform in this play with its professional cast in the vital roles of the

Greek island, Lesbos community.

The play’s Director, Karen will already have worked (in Scotland) with the cast Actors!

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They will be ready to go onstage.

She will then take the principal actors to work with the first community cast in Paisley (nr Glasgow) at The STAR Project for a day.

“But! What would I have to do!?” You might scream…

Let’s just say, ‘Janet’ is coming along. She’s really curious. She is excited to take part in something which tackles how unequal things are and how many ‘new Hitlers’ there seems to be around the world. She feels this will give her back some feeling of power.

I arrived at the community hall. There was already a dozen other people matching my own excitement and nerves. I was approached straight away and warmly welcomed by a woman telling me she was Effie, the Writer! She showed me how to register, get a name badge, info sheet and, importantly, she showed me where refreshments were! Oooh! Is that my favourite Kit-Kats there!?

I could see that it seems the full theatre company was there, gabbing, laughing, making sure they met everyone and that nobody was left alone or feelin’ awkward. Although my flamin’ tummy was tumbling, I felt safe and welcomed. That was because when I signed up weeks ago, they had asked if there was anything the company could do, to make it more comfortable for all. Well, I’d explained that my neuro-diversity means that I can get quite freaked-out by noise, movement of a crowd and some lights, so Imight need quiet space. When I got to the hall, there was a wee sunflower sticker on my name badge and I was shown a quiet, breakaway room with lovely blankets and cushions , where I could come and use my headphones if needed.

They all gathered together and the information, formal welcomes and introductions were done. Great fun! They were all really nice and keen. The room was buzzin’!

Karen (Director), explained the programme for the day. She reminded us all that taking part in the day’s workshop was what was most important and that, anyone, at any point could choose not to join the performance later… There was the option to be at the side of the stage, adding our voice, just be in the

audience or … decide to stay home. That was really helpful. Then … the work began!

We did those ‘ice-breakers … You know … sort of games. We didn’t get pressure... It was really comfy.

They’re really helpful and a great laugh.

We then all started playing about with how emotions show on our faces and bodies … Really thinking about how different feelings and stuff shows on us.

Then the games and stuff were more about the things in and parts of the play we’d be doing.

 

It was great to know that we wouldn’t have to fully remember every wee thing in just one day, as there were already professional actors who’d be ‘Lesbos community’, so, we would always have them to follow.

As the day went on and we saw all the scenes and just fitted into them, we all became more and more involved and that feeling of being strong and having a voice began to really hit home. I felt stronger and stronger not just about the play’s story but also about how we seem to be becoming less and less

powerful in our own lives and how much more unfair and selfish the world is getting.

I couldn’t believe that, by the end of the day, we had fully rehearsed all our scenes and felt truly ready!

I had only needed to use the quiet room at break times, so it was really useful and folk were checking in with me … with everyone really.

Karen spoke with each of us privately to check how we were feeling about performing the next evening. I said that I’d still love to but would like to give a final answer after tomorrow’s dressed rehearsal.

I did go back the next day, smiling, saying ‘Hi’ to new pals, nervous, but still determined to try. I wasn’t sure if everything, noise, lights, demands, nerves would become too much, so it was great that I could still have that choice.

All I can say is … “IT WAS ELECTRIC!” I did it! I felt it! I was there, taking control.

I didn’t manage on to one of the scenes as I was really overloaded! But, I was looked after, took time out, quietly and made it back on for the big one!

I… we (all) laughed, cried, shouted, cheered and feel bloomin’ FABULOUS!