Crowds and Power
By Megan Barker
Sherman Cymru Youth Theatre and Company
5
Sherman
Cymru Theatre 1
7.30pm 5th-7th June 2014
On
the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings it seems appropriate that
the community theatre groups at Sherman Cymru are delving into the world of
politics, in particular autocracy.
The
play begins with intense movement, it is eerie and unsettling. Soon this atmosphere
is complete broken as Pinar Ogun, playing the character of the teacher, steps
forward and addresses the audience directly. She asks us not to do what a
typical audience would, watch the show disengaged and clap at the end. She
wants us to be present, really present in the moment. Of course, as Pinar also
comments, a play on autocracy is difficult, we all have our own preconceived ideas,
we all think autocracy is bad all of the time.
 |
| Pinar Ogun |
As
Pinar and her classroom full of pupils explore how autocracy comes to be they
uncover some worrying truths about themselves. All of us have similar fears and
desires and the knowledge of those things is all an autocrat needs to gain
power over us. After all it is the masses that let the autocrat rule, the many
who give power to the individual.
In a
real Californian classroom in 1967 a similar experiment took place, the result
of which was so disturbing it was called off after two weeks. On stage the
experiment takes a similar dark turn. At first the pupils enjoy their uniform,
their slogan, the sense of belonging. But there are always those who are left
out, those who do not agree and are shunned for voicing their opinions.
 |
| Some of the youth theatre perfromers |
Shadowy
men in suits haunt the stage, like secret police they are always watching. The
older actors from Company 5 deliver upsetting speeches about how the comfort of
a group made them feel more at home than in their own families. The effect is
though provoking and worrying.
As
always with Phil Mackenzie’s direction the physical pieces are a joy watch, the
intensity and control of the young performers is absorbing. This is only
enhanced by Andy Hamer’s stunning lighting design, which far out performs many
professional shows.
 |
| Stunning lighting by Andy Hamer |
Although
the script is a little clunky and disorganised this is still a fascinating
piece of theatre. The fact it is performed by community theatre groups rather
than professionals makes it even more special, the show isn’t ‘acted’, rather
the performers really invest themselves in the work and deliver incredible performances.
This
is a really experimental approach to theatre making, one that can be both frustrating
and invigorating. The highlights of this production are really exciting moments
that will stay in your mind for days. You will certainly leave the theatre with
something to think about.
To find out more about the show and for tickets: click
here.
For the Sherman Cymru ticket office: 029 2064 6900
Tickets: £8
Concessions: £2 off
Under 25s: Half Price
Concessions: £2 off
Under 25s: Half Price
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