An Interview with the Director by Clare Harris, Marketing Intern
I must admit, I have been growing increasingly curious about this year’s Senior Youth Theatre’s production and was really looking forward to meeting David Durant, Director of The Courtyard’s Senior Youth Theatre, to find out more. Infectious with enthusiasm and passion, I can see why all the cast hold him in high esteem.
Could you tell me what it is about this play; Our Country’s Good that made you choose it for this year’s production?
The play is based on the diaries of Lieutenant Ralph Clark, an officer who was sent out on the first fleet of convicts to help build up the colony of Australia in 1786. It is a play that looks at real life and death situations whilst commenting on the cheapness of life at the time.
It is particularly interesting as there are also some historical connections to Hereford itself, as several of the convicts who were convicted of petty crimes, for example, one man stole a sheep, once he was charged was packed off to Australia. Ketch Freeman was another convict that was trialled in Hereford for stealing twelve shillings; he was given the choice to be hung or to become a hangman and be exported.
Completely taken from their lives with no rights and deposited in a land we knew so little about. It seems so extreme now as there are so many worse things they could have done.
Can you give me a little more background about the play?
Basically the play is an expression of the power and influence of theatre and how it can enrich our lives. Through wrenching emotion, it potently shows us that theatre is vital as a basic right and it’s a chance for us to see how others live. Arthur Philip, (the Governing Chief) was a believer in humanity, he wanted to help the convicts have a better colony and so organised the convicts to present a play The Recruiting Officer, by George Farquhar, a restoration comedy which looks at the class system in a concentration camp.
By organising this play, Arthur Philip gave the convicts the chance to escape from their reality and had the opportunity to improve themselves whilst embodying the ideas for a new healthier world. In enforcing the officers to work with the convicts on this project it started to stimulate a level of respect and began to break down the power struggle and divide between the convicts and officers as they worked towards the same goal.
I have heard that the play is very challenging emotionally and physically for the actors, how do you think it has affected them?
Well, it is definitely not an easy play and it is hard for a young company. Particularly as the play is so removed from their own personal experiences and emotions; it is a big ask but every play has its challenges.
A few of the cast members mentioned that you have been using some interesting techniques to help them get into character?
In rehearsals I gave them certain techniques to help them get into character, which really tested them and without their talent and motivation they would have no doubt crumbled. The emotion in the production is incredibly intense and to get across the real sense of cruelty, it has to be.
If I am honest the Youth Theatre here is just fantastic, such drive, ability and to be able to put on a production which is so challenging, it’s unbelievable. I have really pushed them but I have not met the limit of their talent and it’s so exciting to see how far I can push them.
Do you think there is a different working technique when working with the Youth Theatre?
No, not at all, I consider them the same. This is a professional training background for them to launch from and to go on. They are just at a different stage in their life. Often there is a greater impact of discovery as they explore their identity, as they find out more about themselves, their skills and where they want to go. I have a massive passion for Youth Theatre, particularly when they are discovering for the first time. It’s an exciting process to see them grow and overcome the stresses of theatre.
How do you think the cast have responded to the production?
I think they all surprised themselves with the ability that they all have. Seeing them discover that ability through their characters and performance is so rewarding.
As a director the most exciting thing is the end product, it’s that moment… I hate the corny sound of the word magic, but it’s the magic of the first performance. It’s a moment that disappears as soon as it comes but you can’t beat it and I really can’t wait to see it on stage!
Sadly my interview slot ran out of time, with so many more curiosities about the play, I’ll just have to book my ticket to find out more. <BUY TICKETS HERE>
Our Country’s Good
Thursday 23 – Saturday 25 February, 7.30pm
Tickets £12.50, Concessions £10, Schools £8
Box Office: 01432 340555
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