First-Time Director Relishing Original Theatre Challenge
First-Time Director Relishing Original Theatre Challenge
Most theatre productions begin with a script that has already been performed countless times. Not this one. This October, Andrew Edgar will help bring an entirely original play to life as part of Hemel Hempstead Theatre Company ' s ambitious new Duologues Project.
One of eight new plays being performed at The Boxmoor Playhouse on 9 and 10 October, Andrew will become the first director to bring Double Vision to the stage. He ' s not simply interpreting an existing play but helping to shape a new one from the ground up.
" What drew me in was the chance to work on something new rather than a well-worn classic," said Andrew. " There ' s something special about being the first person to bring this piece to life. With a new play, every choice is genuinely yours. There ' s no precedent to follow or react against-you ' re building the world from scratch."
Andrew is one of eight directors involved, each working with one of eight local playwrights to create an evening of original theatre. Each director collaborates with just two actors, allowing for an unusually detailed rehearsal process.
That intimacy is one of the aspects Andrew is enjoying most. " With only 10 to 15 minutes per duologue, there isn ' t a lot of material on the page, which is exactly why the work with the actors
Boxmoor Playhouse Stage by Ian Grundy
matters so much," he explained. " Every line has to carry weight. We spend a lot of time digging into what ' s underneath it – who these characters are, what they believe and how they ' ve ended up together. Every silence and every glance has to do as much work as the dialogue."
His play begins with the familiar rhythms of a long-term relationship before taking an unexpected turn into much darker territory, meaning casting the right performers is crucial.
" I was looking for actors who could capture the comfortable groove of a relationship that ' s been worn smooth over years together, but who can also shift gear convincingly when something disturbing intrudes. What excites me most is taking the piece off the page and giving it a feel that ' s almost horror movie territory."
Producer Ciaran Connors believes the evening has something for everyone. He explained:“ We ' re incredibly proud that this production showcases the creativity that exists right here in our community, and I think that local connection will really resonate with audiences. I hope people will come out and support something that ' s been created by local people, for local people, and discover just how much talent we have here in Hemel Hempstead.”
The Duologues Project will be performed at the Boxmoor Theatre on 9 and 10 October. For tickets go to www. hhtheatreco. com
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