New Community Theatre Project: The Music of Time
Tale Valley Community Theatre’s new intergenerational project is well under way. Twelve writers ranging in ages from eleven to seventy four have created the fourteen scenes which will form the content of The Music of Time to be performed in November. This will be the fourteenth original production for the company since Parson Terry’s Dinner in 2000 and, unusually for TVCT which has used a range of performance sites, it will be performed in Payhembury Hall. Nick Pruce from Talaton has written the lyrics of the theme song and Charles West from Plymtree is Musical Director. Fourteen singers have already said they want to take part.
The scenes, depicting various aspects of life – travel, family life, religion etc – are paired, with one offering a view from the childhood of older participants (1940s) whilst the other depicts projections of that theme in the old age of the young participants (2080s). There are more details at http://www.tvctheatre.org/
There will be a casting and directing workshop on Sunday Sept 15th in Payhembury Hall. From 10.00am-1.30pm I will work with all who are interested in acting and from 2.00pm-4.00pm all those interested in directing. As the scenes are no more than ten minutes long this is an ideal opportunity for people to dip their toes into theatre and to learn new skills. It also means that busy people can become involved without mortgaging their life to the production. If you are interested in being a part of The Music of Time but can’t make the opening workshop, please let me know.
In Poland recently, in Warsaw and Supraśl, I created two community plays in just five days each. Both productions were highly successful but the main pleasure for me was to be told by the participants how much they had enjoyed the experience. Each production was unique – as will be The Music of Time. Why not get involved in some capacity? We need actors, directors, digital artists to create projected backdrops, lighting and sound technicians and a host of other posts to make this original project work. I am very willing to chat about possibilities or to meet individuals to discuss possible involvement.
I can be contacted at 01884 277390; 07934 611368 or j.w.somers@ex.ac.uk
John Somers
Artistic Director TVCT