| From DAWN, the magazine of the Drama Association of Wales |
Turning Japanese, with Cardiff’s Unknown Theatre Company
by Jane Donoghue
‘The Road to Success is Always Under Construction’. A thought provoking statement that this year has become our company motto!! The Unknown Theatre Company was formed a little less than five years ago and from small but nevertheless ambitious beginnings, has this year seen its most successful yet.
The year began fairly calmly but full of optimism as we made plans to take ‘Dance of the Dragon’, our newly commissioned musical, to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The logistics of transporting, housing, feeding - and dare I say, controlling sixteen young people - slowly dawned on us. However, from the first excitement and apprehension, to the final curtain we had a tremendous time. Performing on the street was a unique experience and we were also fortunate enough (partially through everyone’s hard work and partially I suspect through pure luck!), to have two sell out performances. The day we left to come home dawned too soon and as we travelled south in a melancholy mood we firmly believed that nothing could ever beat those two weeks.
How wrong we were! With just a day’s rest we began our second Summer project. As part of the Japan 2001 celebrations, we were pleased to welcome fifteen Japanese drama students from Kawaguchi Lilia Hall. They had arrived to undertake a two-week joint Summer school, culminating in a company scripted pantomime of Cinderella (in August!). Some casting decisions came easily with Matthew Atkins and Nick Cook obvious choices as the Ugly Sisters! However, the problem we faced was how to ensure that our talented guests participated fully in the show. Initial introductions and ‘prepared performances’ soon highlighted their amazing dance and singing ability and an enthusiasm that put our young people to shame!!
The days passed quickly with Matthew Brind teaching English songs to the Japanese children alongside choruses of ‘It’s a Hard Knock Life’, in Japanese, to our children! Vic Atkins meanwhile spent many hours perfecting dance routines and setting scenes, helped by a team of dedicated volunteers. Amidst the mayhem, the set was built, social and cultural activities arranged, Civic Receptions attended, props gathered and costumes fitted!
Friday’s performance was attended by the Head of Japan 2001, Christopher Purvis. Whilst on Saturday, the Mayor of Kawaguchi and his sixty delegates were our honoured guests. The saying “Laugher knows no boundaries”, proved true, as all the audience enjoyed themselves and at the end of the show there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. Afterwards, we were treated with amazing hospitality, at a party hosted by the Mayor of Kawaguchi. The departure of our visitors the following day was another emotional roller-coaster, as we clung on to friendships and memories that will hopefully last for many years to come.
As we reflect on our privileged year we are reminded about our ‘road to success’. With steel determination, plans are being made and grant applications completed! Who knows what next year will bring… we’ve certainly got lots of ideas. Watch this space!!! |
Photos from the show
