With stages still sitting in darkness, digital theatre experiments are well worth dipping into. Sam Wonfor has details of one to watch.
The Art of Facing Fear is a play performed live over Zoom by actors from across three continents
A North East theatre company is representing the UK in an international theatre production playing live over Zoom to audiences throughout August.
Darlington-based OddManOut Theatre has collaborated with artists and theatre companies from across three continents to co-produce The Art of Facing Fear – a live digital production inspired by the Covid-19 pandemic and devised for a Zoom app performance.
OddManOut’s associate artists, Newcastle-based Christina Berriman Dawson and Elijah Young are the only two UK actors taking part in the project, alongside performers from Sweden, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa and Brazil. Applause due right there.
Following the online world premiere on July 31st, the play is being performed live every Friday and Saturday evening throughout August, which means you still have time to see it.
Katy Weir, artistic director at OddManOut, said: “We feel privileged to be involved in the production of The Art of Facing Fear and Christina and Elijah have been working tirelessly to bring a unique theatrical experience to a worldwide audience.”
The play is the brainchild of writer/directors Rodolfo García Vázquez and Ivam Cabral from acclaimed theatre company Os Satyros in Brazil.
Known for using the latest technology to make memorable theatre experiences, this international piece of work builds on the success of the company’s original production in Brazil, which debuted in June and has already been viewed almost 10,000 times.
The Art of Facing Fear has been inspired by the global Covid-19 lockdown
Set in 2035, the play examines a dystopian world following 5,555 days of global quarantine during a pandemic. Despite tight government controls on digital communication, a group of far-flung friends manage to keep in online contact with each other.
Exploring themes of loneliness, depression, fear and sadness at widespread intolerance and extremism, The Art of Facing Fear will tell individual stories from across a world changed forever.
The live performances, which last around 90 minutes, incorporate an element of audience participation and also include a post-show chance to gather and chat with the cast and creative team.
Christina, who many will recognise from a boatload of performances across North East stages in recent years, says: “Being involved in this project has been a unique experience. Having the opportunity to connect with other artists from all over the world and rehearse with them daily has been wonderful.
Newcastle actor Christina Berriman Dawson performs in The Art of Facing Fear
“It has surprised me how well the concept works, it really has felt like I have been in a rehearsal room again. I feel like I have formed lasting creative relationships and ironically lockdown has opened up my world in some ways.”
Elijah added: “The response from the first performances have been brilliant. So many people have said how they love this new hybrid genre of theatre.
“One person mentioned how it opens up so many possibilities for the industry not only in the current situation but also in the future for reaching audiences who normally are unable to go to the theatre.
“Our director even made a comment that it’s the first time he’s ever seen a show where the second performance was better than the opening. So it’s all good stuff!
“I’m very chuffed with the piece and looking forward to the rest of the run.”
The Art of Facing Fear is being performed on Friday and Saturdays throughout August. For more details and to buy tickets, get your cursor clicking here. Tickets will be sold on a donation basis, and once you’ve registered for your ticket, you will be sent all the Zoom instructions.