Tag Archives: The Other Room

Review (BSL) A Sunny Disposition The Other Room by Heather Patterson and Gareth Freeman

May 24, 2016 Guy O'Donnell Leave a comment

This is a BSL review of A Sunny Disposition, written and directed by Nicola Reynolds, performed at The Other Room, Cardiff. A written transcription is available below the video.

Hello, my name is Heather Patterson and this is Gareth Freeman.

We recently went to see a performance in Porters which had a small theatre inside a pub! Gareth felt the pub had a relaxing and welcoming atmosphere. The BSL interpreter was on hand to give information before the performance started.

We watched a performance called ‘A Sunny Disposition’ which was performed by a single actor throughout for approximately an hour. The story was about the effects of alcoholism and it’s knock on effects on others.

Heather asked Gareth how he felt watching the performance and he said that the story hit home as he has personal experiences of this in the family. Gareth felt that the story was realistic and he could connect with it. Heather mentioned the impact, the memories and how it can affect you as a person.

Heather asked Gareth how he managed to watch the performance using a BSL interpreter? It was generally felt by Gareth that the story was not lost in translation, he possibly missed the understanding of some signs used due to the regional dialects used in BSL but this did not affect the overall enjoyment. The venue was perfect for this type of performance as you are so close to the acting to be able to read all the emotions in the actors face and body language.

In the Q&A session Gareth wanted to asked questions but felt he did not have the confidence to do so. He wanted to say how much this performance related to his own experiences. The Q&A session was interesting and we both enjoyed that part.

We felt that that the story was realistic, emotional and understood the issues that it had a powerful impact on us. We both agreed having addiction issues were not easy for the person and others living with it.

Heather asked Gareth if this performance should be seen by more deaf people and he felt that everyone was different but encourages them to see it. Gareth will definitely be going to see more performances in Porters as it gives him an avenue to relate to his feelings/personal issues through theatre. Having theatre in BSL enables Gareth to have a social life, to enjoy watching things on an equal par to others (those who can hear) and generally feel less isolated.

We were most impressed that the writer wrote the story based on her own personal experiences, this helped us to really absorb the story and the performance. We will certainly look forward to another story by the same writer.

Thank you for watching us.

Theatre

Review Constellation Street The Other Room by Kaitlin Wray

April 23, 2016 Kaitlin Wray Leave a comment

Constellation Street, written by Matthew Bulgo is a combination of four monologues that interlink with each other. Just like Matthew Bulgo’s ‘Last Christmas’ these stories were cleverly thought out and were both captivating and raw. The production team at the Other Room Theatre completely had their work cut out. For anyone who had already been to the Other Room Theatre they wouldn’t have thought it possible that a conventional theatre space could be turned into three separate rooms in completely different habitats. One a hotel room, another a back of the taxi cab and one a bar. What made this show even more unique was they used a part of the courtyard for the final scene. It all worked magnificently. There were some occasions when you could hear what is being said in the other spaces but it didn’t take away from the performance. This really showed the different dimensions of each monologue.

Not only did I get the chance to watch this incredible immersive performance, I had the privilege to overlook one of their rehearsals to get a feel of what it would be like directing a production. Watching Chelsey Gillard and Dan Jones at work, both of them taking two monologues each to work on, it was evident that their artistic minds knew exactly how to take on this performance and they both did tremendously. In this rehearsal, a week before the show, I had the chance to watch Nicola Reynolds performing the pub landlady. Even at this point in time she had the character pretty much nailed and it was wonderful to watch. Her mannerisms and the way she effortlessly told her story was endearing. I’m gutted that I didn’t get to see her perform in the actual show but it gives me another excuse to watch this show again!

The first room I went into was laid out as if we were in the back of a taxi cab. Roger Evans, playing Frank had his back to us for the majority of the performance with the front mirror showing his reflection. This made his performance even more realistic and raw which made this scene more emotional and felt like you were there to really consolidate with the character. This is a great way to break away from traditional theatre settings and to show people that the character doesn’t always have to be on a stage speaking out to the audience.

Then our mini group got lead out into the courtyard for a musical interlude which was a rendition of “All I want” by Kodaline, sung by Gwenllian Higginson. What once was a lovely lyrical song turned into quite an amusing karaoke bash. Even though it was just a musical interlude we really felt for Gwenllian’s character, and it gave us an insight of what might to come later with her performance.

The second monologue I saw was the character of Stephen played by Neal McWilliams. We entered into a room that looked completely like a generic hotel room with the classic painting on one of the walls. We were all told to sit down, get comfy and even sit on the bed. Personally this took me out of the mind frame of being an audience member and here to really listen to what’s being said and to give advice or help in any way. The monologue was overall, heart wrenching, it showed themes of betrayal and loss. Neal really took us through the characters life which started off quite pleasant but then turned as the story went on. It felt like he was completely reliving what had happened and the memories he has. By the end of it all I wanted to do was give him a great big hug.

The final scene was taken place in the courtyard by the character of Alex, acted by Gwenllian Higginson. I already had the privilege to watch over Gwenllian’s scene, and see a section of it being done. However listening to it being doing outside it felt like it was the first time I was hearing the words again. Gwenllian, played Alex to be quite a sassy girl who appears to be in control of everything, someone who has been through a lot. Her ability as an actress to show the different emotions she has with ease and convincingness was inspiring to watch. There were some real comedic elements to this monologue which she played with great timing and demeanour. This monologue was tense and you were completely drawn in to everything she was saying. The only downside was that you could hear the Porter’s customers in the other section of the courtyard and due to it being a Friday night it was generally quite loud. However the one up side to this is that it felt like we were at a open mic night or at a stand up comedy where it would be loud. This I believe enhanced the intensity given to the scene.

Not only was the acting outstanding, but they really went above and beyond in making this performance unique and memorable. Matthew Bulgo I would definitely say is a genius when it comes to writing original and amazing stories that really grips into the hearts of people. The monologues interlinked beautifully. I thoroughly enjoyed watching it and would love to be taken on that journey again.

Theatre

Review Constellation Street The Other Room by Lois Arcari

April 19, 2016 Lois Arcari Leave a comment

A set of four intertwining monologues dividing tight – and tightly packed – spaces in a pub theatre tucked underneath the train stations – literally hidden gem.

Hardly a setup for convention.That, for the audience, is sublime.

The set design by the obviously talented Amy Jane Cook, catches you immediately, as you’re led through Constellation Street. The sets, three internal sets each toe the line between intimacy and claustrophobia just as the street itself does; a fifth character illuminated by its cast, the staging, and the experience theatre the play provides. The multiple sets were all done brilliantly but didn’t take the balance off the play itself. The outside platform fits perfectly; the noise of Cardiff against its backdrop illuminating rather than distracting; a brilliantly designed set up that draws subjective meaning without ever prompting it unsubtly.

This set up perfectly captures the mix of realism and delirium imbued in the play; the smallest pieces of the everyday evolving into a smooth hallucination between reality and melodrama. The play is flawlessly cast, each delivering their characters believably, and essentially, ambiguously. Each monologue in itself invites a wealth of interpretation, and the contradictions between them made for a more interesting whole; turning to pin point lies and honesty, or if indeed, they are even mutually exclusive at all. Distrust and uncertainty were the stars of the script, crawling under the skin the most effectively.

Tonally, the play was dark without nihilism, realism providing the comedy. Narratively, it could veer dangerously close to artifice; interweaving of monologues a little predictable at times, but with the cast and this experiential, experimental play nevertheless not straying from its basis in character, its brevity seemed at once a loss and a basis of its charms and wit. In its intimacy, the stories packed weight, but, because of its root in subjectivity were not always as deeply felt. We are dragged into the confusion, loss and grief of the characters, rooted in their street but projected through to any other. Although narratively slick, the close web of all the characters seemed to displace it from an every town, an idea the play needs to pack the punches it delivered, more lastingly for its audience.

One idea in particular, maybe from just seeing three of four monologues, was that one interesting idea seemed left to flounder. Parts were resonant, parts were shocking;but although technically brilliant, it never seemed to project itself onto the outside world. Perhaps, I must concede, the intention for us ‘invaders’ on the street.

It’s not that there was style over substance, but merely that the substance is felt harder to relate to in an outside context because of the stylistic excellence. As a piece of event theatre with the atmosphere of a clandestine treat, it is a must-see, but it’s genuine emotional resonance, or at least the extent of its power, is an ambiguous thing; as hard to track as the characters it writes of.

Theatre

Review Constellation Street The Other Room by Kiera Sikora

April 19, 2016 Kiera Sikora Leave a comment

Constellation Street; a place of conscience, cowardice, courage and heart-hurting honesty.

Firstly we meet Ruth (Nicola Reynolds) a brash and beautiful landlady with a lot to be said about good deeds, their punishments and the past they create. Set in her homely pub, she creates that warm atmosphere that lulls you to your local and before you’ve taken in her purge of emotions- she’s opened the door for you to leave her, silently.

But the night continues, we move on then for a brief song with Alex (Gwenllian Higginson) at a gig in what may well be the pub we’ve just left. Her wide eyed gazes and drunken antics on the stage make you laugh and wonder. She seems to think too much, yet little of herself.

Swiftly then we move into the humid hotel room where we are met with the seemingly sweet Stephen (Neal McWilliams). He’s awkward and intense, both distant and present. He doesn’t break his gaze. It’s almost like there’s nothing left in him to be broken, nothing more that he could break. You feel his pulse must match the pace of his speech as he punches your heart with his harrowing story of love, loss and loneliness.

We then head back outside to Alex and her cheap, cheap lager, and we listen to her as she lays her life’s bones bare in front of us. She’s like no one’s child, a girl with questions and no one around who’s patient enough to listen to them, until we’re there. Her actions don’t gain her the answers she was looking for, but they no doubt change and add to the questions she already has. That alone is something that connects these pieces and people together.

This play’s genius lies in its more than admirable attention to detail and how the writing doesn’t allow you to think that it’s ever been written. The emotions are raw and the situations so real it makes you think of the Constellation Street (or Streets) that exist outside of the intamcy of Porter’s.

It’s important to add here to that a fourth monologue exists in this play; Frank’s (Roger Evans) story completes Constellation Street.

The small space at The Other Room has been completely, wonderfully transformed, so that walking to the bar after the show feels a bit like a daze. Amy Jane Cook’s design is impeccable and deserves all compliments and more. As do the directors Chelsey Gillard and Dan Jones for collecting and connecting this puzzle of a play and completely utilising it’s uniqueness and relevance.

Theatre

Review Constellation Street by Kaitlin Wray

April 19, 2016 Kaitlin Wray Leave a comment

Constellation Street written by Matthew Bulgo is a combination of four monologues that interlink with each other. Just like Matthew Bulgo’s ‘Last Christmas’ produced by Dirty Protest these stories are cleverly thought out and are both captivating and raw. For this production the team at the Other Room Theatre completely had their work cut out. For anyone who has already been to the Other Room Theatre they wouldn’t have thought it possible that a conventional theatre space could be turned into three separate rooms in completely different habitats. One a hotel room, another a back of the taxi cab and one a bar. What made this show even more unique was they used a part of the courtyard for the final scene. It all worked magnificently. There were some occasions when you could hear what is being said in the other spaces but it didn’t take away from the performance. This really showed the different dimensions of each monologue.

Not only did I get the chance to watch this incredible immersive performance, but I also had the privilege to overlook one of their rehearsals to get a feel of what it would be like directing a production. Watching Chelsey Gillard and Dan Jones at work, both of them taking two monologues each to work on, it was evident that their artistic minds knew exactly how to take on this performance and they both did tremendously. In this rehearsal, a week before the show, I had the chance to watch Nicola Reynolds performing the pub landlady. Even at this point in time she had the character pretty much nailed and it was wonderful to watch. Her mannerisms and the way she effortlessly told her story was endearing. I’m gutted that I didn’t get to see her perform in the actual show but it gives me another excuse to watch this show again!

The first room I went into was laid out as if we were in the back of a taxi cab. Roger Evans, playing Frank had his back to us for the majority of the performance with the front mirror showing his reflection. This made his performance even more realistic and raw which made this scene more emotional, it felt like you were there to really consolidate with the character. This is a great way to break away from traditional theatre settings and to show people that the character doesn’t always have to be on a stage speaking out to the audience.

Then our mini group got lead out into the courtyard for a musical interlude which was a rendition of “All I Want” by Kodaline, sung by Gwenllian Higginson. What once was a lovely lyrical song turned into quite an amusing karaoke bash. Even though it was just a musical interlude we really felt for Gwenllian’s character, and it gave us an insight of what might to come later with her performance.

https://soundcloud.com/in-demand-scotland/kodaline-all-i-want-session

The second monologue I saw was the character of Stephen played by Neal McWilliams. We entered into a room that looked like a generic hotel room with the classic painting on one of the walls. We were all told to sit down, get comfy and even sit on the bed. Personally this took me out of the mind frame of being an audience member and here to really listen to what’s being said and to give advice or help in any way. The monologue was, heart wrenching, it showed themes of betrayal and loss. Neal really took us through the characters life which started off quite pleasant but then turned as the story went on. It felt like he was completely reliving what had happened and the memories he has. By the end of it all I wanted to do was give him a great big hug.

The final scene took place in the courtyard with the character of Alex, played by Gwenllian Higginson. I already had the privilege to watch Gwenllian’s scene, and see a section of it being performed. However listening to it being doing outside it felt like it was the first time I was hearing the words again. Gwenllian, played Alex as a sassy girl who appears to be in control of everything, someone who has been through a lot. Her ability as an actress to show the different emotions she has with ease and convincingness was inspiring to watch. There were some real comedic elements to this monologue which she played with great timing and demeanour. It was tense and you were completely drawn in to everything she was saying. The only downside was that you could hear the Porter’s customers in the other section of the courtyard and due to it being a Friday night it was generally quite loud. However the one up side to this is that it felt like we were at a open mic night or at a stand up comedy where it would be loud. This I believe enhanced the intensity given to the scene.

Not only was the acting outstanding, but the whole company really went above and beyond in making this performance unique and memorable. Matthew Bulgo is a genius when it comes to writing original and amazing stories that really grip the hearts of audiences. The monologues interlinked beautifully. I thoroughly enjoyed watching it and would love to be taken on this journey again.

Theatre

Review Play/Silence by Kaitlin Wray

March 30, 2016 Kaitlin Wray Leave a comment

The Other Room Theatre kicking of 2016 with their new season of Insomnia, brings us a double bill of both Beckett and Pinter’s work. These 20th century play writes were considered to be two of the most influential writers of their time.
The plays chosen were ‘Play’ by Beckett and ‘Silence’ by Pinter. Both plays draws themes around betrayal and lust. Both Kate Wasserburg, (director of ‘Play’ and Artistic Director of the Other Room) and Titas Halder, (director of ‘Silence’) made sure these plays were not only performed with great distinction but showed great technicality as well.
Stepping into the first performance of the Other Room theatre there was soundscape in the background (composed and sound designed by Dyfan Jones) creating the mood that was hardly noticed at first but grew louder and louder until everyone was completely engaged and then it just cut out. A deathly silence where the audience was left in the pitch black, all senses removed, waiting in suspense. This was the first moment that completely drew me in to the performance, this moment never left me until I was ushered out of my seat. I was in complete awe at what I had just seen.
Floating heads on stage, muttering things one couldn’t comprehend, the imagery in this was beautiful. Then controlled by a single spotlight it shone to the character speaking at the time with everything else surrounded in blackness. This technically was beautiful as we were transfixed on what was being shown. It felt like you were at a tennis match where you kept moving your head to the next performance not wanting to blink in case you missed the next moment.
The performers were incredible, their focused stare and fast paced speaking with hardly pausing was a treat to see. It was evident that they had complete dedication to this performance as their pronunciation was spot on even though the pace was remarkably difficult. The trio of performers even though speaking in quite a monotonous way showed great characterisation and we could fully get a sense of each personality.
After only knowing Matthew Bulgo through his great work as a playwright creating ‘Last Christmas’ his acting ability corresponded to the success of his play. Acting alongside him was Victoria John who showed comedy within this play and who’s laugh has to be up there with the greatest of evil laughs. Then Peta Cornish who captivated us with the use of her eyes and her elegant speaking voice.
This was a performance that frazzled my mind yet I would want to see it again and again just to get another glimpse into those lives.
The second performance, Pinter’s ‘Silence’ was technically less demanding but nonetheless just as beautiful, the simplistic set worked really well and it felt like the actors were in another dimension. What I noticed most of all was their use of spatial awareness, when one person moved to a different spot, the others would change their position so it always looked aesthetically pleasing to the eye. This was well thought out and blocked out. Their acting was equally brilliant with Matthew Bulgo playing Rumsey, showing us a more desperate side than the comical side we saw earlier, Peta Cornish playing Ellen uses her eyes as an emotive tool which was something I haven’t seen in a long time in a performance, truly remarkable. Then, Neal McWilliams playing Bates. Neal played a character who had a boyish charm that really put extra depth into this performance and made it stand out so much more. Each performer showed us what it felt like to be in desperation of love and hope, to have such strong feelings and the want to connect with one another.
This double bill was a great way to step out from the outer world into something much deeper. This is a performance that makes you feel something you definitely didn’t feel before entering the room. As an actor myself these plays are something every actor dreams to play, the way they are technically demanding for the voice and how you have to be completely disciplined with your whole body making sure you know every tiny movement you make will have great impact on the performance. I thoroughly enjoyed the night and can not wait to watch the Other Rooms next performance of ‘Sand’ by Nick Gill.

Theatre

Review St Nicholas The Other Room by Kaitlin Wray

March 6, 2016 Kaitlin Wray Leave a comment

After seeing Christian Patterson in both Blasted and the Dying of Today, all from the Other Room at Porters it is evident that he is a highly talented and diverse actor. He is able to take on both challenging roles and in terms of St Nicholas, really comedic roles as well. Patterson was able to get the audience fully immersed within the story. He made us laugh hysterically, he made us get on the edge of our seats with anticipation and most of all he made us fully believe every word that he was saying, he is a great story teller.

Photographic credit Aenne Pallasca

One of the reasons for the success of this play is that Patterson had an incredible script to work with. The play written by Conor McPherson had twists and turns and in some areas it was completely relatable too.

The subtle use of the lighting and sound within this play was perfect. The lighting by Katy Morison, created a lot of naturalism during the first act and in the second act the hanging light bulbs were a great touch. One moment that worked exceptionally well was when Patterson grabbed hold of the standing lamp and used it like a torch; the shadows it created were beautiful, shining against his face in an eerie yet mesmerising way. The sound, design by Matt and Sam Jones, was subtle throughout the performance without much going on yet it gradually grew in tense moments and then it stripped it back to make the whole atmosphere intensely quiet.

Photographic credit Aenne Pallasca

Overall, even though this wasn’t as serious as the other plays the Other Room has taken on, it was a thoroughly enjoyable night.

Theatre

Interview Zakk Hein

February 22, 2016 Guy O'Donnell Leave a comment

Three Night Blitz
Photograph Kirsten McTernan Photography and Design
Our project coordinator Guy O’Donnell recently spoke to multidisciplinary designer Zakk Hein. Zakk has recently worked on A Good Clean Heart, Saturday Night Forever and Three Night Blitz
Hi Zakk, can you tell me how you got involved in your area in the arts?
I didn’t have the clearest route in. I want(ed) to be an actor, but I have a very keen interest in design. I graduated with a performance degree and worked as a technician. I got my first paid design from a connection made as a technician at The Other Room in Cardiff and I am now rapidly finding my route into becoming a full time designer. All in the space of two years. I think it’s healthy not to have such a clear defined path – no career in theatre should feel disciplinarily exclusive.
You describe yourself as Multidisciplinary Designer – specialising in video, set & lighting design for Theatre, Opera & Dance. Can you explain what this means?
I understand how this sounds, I do; triple threat times two. It isn’t that at all. I have always been utterly inquisitive about all forms of design and the freedoms having an understanding and interest in a broad range of disciplines has for a designer. I started as an LX designer, moved into video and later found set. It is so incredibly freeing designing a set and knowing exactly how you would light it, or you have a particular piece of content that would work if a set piece did this. You have such an insight and autonomy to create work that is bespoke and fit for purpose. In terms of collaborative process, you know not to put a set of legs there as LX will have a boom there, small things like that. Jan Versweyveld’s work is a perfect example of lighting and set design stemming from one creative impulse to beautiful, forensic effect.

Lazarus
by Enda Walsh, New York Theatre Workshop. Scenographer and lighting designer Jan Versweyveld

A View From the Bridge, Arthur Miller, Wyndham’s Theatre. Scenographer and lighting designer Jan Versweyveld
It is something that comes from my degree at Middlesex University; this idea of collaborative, multidisciplinary practise; I actually graduated with a performance degree and didn’t enrol on a single design module…
I design video one month for ETO in London, set, video and lighting in Aberystwyth the next, video and set the month after; I am very appreciative and lucky to be able to work on productions that have such different briefs and rhythms.
Was there a moment when you thought this is the career for me?
It was only in my third year of university that I began to get that sense of future. I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in theatre for a while, but I didn’t quite know how that was going to map out. I still don’t, and that’s ok. I take every opportunity I can, whether it is offered or sort out, to remain wholly inside the industry. It often means 100+ hour weeks to uphold a full time technician role and design simultaneously. It sounds excessive, but when you love what you do, it isn’t tiresome at all. Coffee becomes a dear friend, however!
Are their any individuals or organisations that helped support you once you realised a career in the Arts was for you?
My parents, Robyn and David, have always been there to help no matter what; Thrust Theatre Company, two of whom I live with. It’s important to have family and friends that understand how different a world a career in theatre is. I’m very lucky to have them. Middlesex University; in particular Rory McAlister and Nicola Stammers. They sparked a fire to want to pursue a career in design. They have been so incredibly supportive during my degree and after. The university isn’t in Wales, but they are THE reason to consider training in London!
Would you have any advice for anyone interested in following your career path?
Be inquisitive; try not to say, think or believe in “that’ll do.” Also, don’t ever be afraid to approach people you want to work with or learn from. I was very lucky to meet and shadow, even just sometimes for a few days, Bruno Poet, Finn Ross, Paule Constable, Luke Halls – which stemmed onto meeting James Bonas, associate to Rufus Norris, and has led onto a great portfolio of working in opera with some truly incredible designers that I never would have dreamed of working with. They have all been in our shoes, wanting an in – they are more than happy to pass experience along if you just ask.
You have worked with a range of companies and Wales, does working in Wales differ to England?
It’s colder! And it takes 8 hours on a bad day to get to Aberystwyth… What always strikes me about working in Wales is how incredibly close knit the arts scene is and how much more so you are willing to take risks. Everyone knows everyone, but in that comes a sense of a dependable network. A Good Clean Heart could not have happened without the links to Theatr Clwyd and Nicola, Theatr Genedlaethol provided the projector; I would not have been involved with Saturday Night Forever without my link to Kate Wasserberg and The Other Room; Three Night Blitz would not have happened without meeting Roger Williams on Saturday Night Forever. I am very grateful to be working with such important designers, directors and producers in Wales.
Is it possible to tell us more about some of the productions you have worked on in Wales
Sky Hawk Clwyd Theatr Cymru | Theatre for Young People
I didn’t design for Sky Hawk, I actually toured as LX and AV technician with it on it’s second outing. It was my first job in Wales, however and it did put me in touch with Nicola Ireland who became very important in my move over to design in Wales.
A Good Clean Heart Neonotopia The Other Room

AGCH is bi-lingual and this was something that is very special and successful in Alun’s Saunders (playwright) text. We needed to make it accessible, but Mared Swain (director) and Alun were very keen for the surtitling to be a bit different. I wanted to create animated surtitles that made accessibility FUN, rather than staring at a dot matrix side of stage. Processes developed into finding a transformative and fun language for transporting the character of Hefin back into tumultuous London to find his estranged brother, Jay. The design focuses on language: texts, Facebook messages, emails, departure boards, handwritten letters, karaoke lyrics, thought bubbles and the concept of communication itself. Words can’t describe how happy we are with the result, support and commendation received for it.

Saturday Night Forever Aberystwyth Arts Centre
The design process was simple. SNF is about night life, music, lights and loss; and is in part named after a Pet Shop Boys song. I wanted to take that sense of a night out and make it slick and distinctly modern-80s. There was a concern flagged, understandably so, early on about the screens being very similar to the incredible design of Iphigenia in Splott playing at the Sherman, but difference by their very definition made the screens an installation worth pursuing. Kate, Roger and Gareth had such belief in the concept and gave me such freedom and support throughout. At one moment we can have this beautiful fluorescent backdrop and then in one swoop we can push content through them. Dance floor arrows, star-scapes, fireworks, etc. It became about light and texture, but only as an elucidation to the sound. Beats were mapped to Benjie Talbott and Tic Ashfield’s utterly beautiful scoring of the piece, a design which ensured that we didn’t ever veer into a cheesy Saturday Night FEVER.

Photographic credit Keith Morris

Your work ranges from large scale production such as Everyman at National Theatre England to a Good Clean Heart for the Other Room in their pub theatre could you tell us how these different areas of your work compare?
I am incredibly fortunate to have been able to work in the Olivier LX and S/V departments at the NT for around 13 months now. Just being involved in the day-to-day running and maintenance of such large scale productions puts you in touch with the equipment and the designs on a very informed, hands on level. Creative impulse and intent become very clear. It is something that I am always so thankful for when working, designing from a mindset of knowing how to use the equipment and processes to their fullest degree.
Whilst the scale of NT work is large, yes, and whilst the design of Three Night Blitz utilises a similar scale, I think it is absolutely important not to view a design based on the merits of scale. I always try to incorporate technologies and processes that are at home on the largest of stages wherever I work. A Good Clean Heart at The Other Room and Saturday Night Forever at Aberystwyth Arts Centre are case in point. AGCH was my first design in Wales. (Thank you Nicola Ireland eternally for bringing me to the attention of Kate and Mared!). There was such a belief in the utilisation of video in such a unique and important space which culminated in such a poignant piece of theatre… and the Wales Theatre Award nomination with Katy Morrison was a nice surprise. SNF utilised utterly cutting edge pixel mapped LED battens to create a video wall for a Cardiff night out. This was an utterly bespoke commission for AAC of five screens that utilise the same technology, but on a much larger scale, of that used in ‘The Hard Problem’ at NT’s Dorfman Theatre. It shouldn’t matter what size the production or the venue is, upholding that level of innovation and technique on whatever I work on is something that is very important to me.
Most recently you have been working on “Three Night Blitz” at Swansea Grand Theatre. Your design if you don’t mind us saying is wonderful and one of the highlights of the production. Is it possible to give us more information on your design process?

It has certainly been a hectic one! Offer on 21st December, rehearsals started 1st February, Opening Night 17th, all over on 20th. Ideas and concepts had to very quickly edit, distill and mould to such a tight schedule for all. But what seemed apparent to me from Manon’s Eames (playwright) archival and precise text was how there is such a distinct lack of awareness. Everyone has an idea of the destruction caused in the London Blitz, that scale, but I was absolutely clueless to the sheer level of bombardment and destruction in, what is in essence, such a small area. Over 80,000 incendiaries sent to torch the town, and you wouldn’t know it walking down the high street.

Photograph Kirsten McTernan Photography and Design
The play is about commemoration and remembrance; I wanted to burst that archive open. The original concept was to have a narration booth DSR with a panoramic window, from which a flurry of archive papers would flutter and burst out of a draw, increasing in scale as they blew out into the wings. These would provide the projection surfaces for the archive content. It became apparent, however, that the text is so fast paced and the interlocking lives of the characters is so meticulously mapped out – that to take a character out of that space and into their own booth only acted as a disjuncture. Let’s open this out more. The structure needs to feel kinetic, it needs to feel like it has that ebb and flow of the bay and the lives of the characters – which is why we have this beautiful abstract curve of the Swansea Bay; a reference so redolent in the text. But I wanted the feeling of the archive paper, and I wanted to stay true to that sense of files upon files filled with paper holding information that needed to see the light of day. As for the planes, there is nothing more symbolic, more nostalgic, more kinetic than the look of a paper plane.

This became the perfect catalyst for creating this forced perspective, swooping structure that can transform into fire bracken, shrapnel and embers. That can at one and the same time look fluid and sharp. The video design always felt like it needed to bring that picture to life, it needed to feel transportive and immersive. I wanted to do justice to the archive and I wanted to create that sense of an all encompassing fire blaze. The use of the gauze is something that I don’t get to utilise often and it works perfectly here to give that sense of scale and immersion. Transforming the entire stage at once from a calm starry night into a bombardment of thousands of parachute flares, incendiaries, phosphorus with embers blazing all around them. It feels like a special event and I am very proud to have been given the opportunity.

I used CAD to visualise the 9M x 7M (W x H) space available. I wanted to create something forced perspective and this meant using the international paper scale from A4 up to A1. But with such tight schedules, the planning had to be meticulous. This image of 600 planes was later broken up into its 4 sections mapping each individual plane placement, height and angle.

Zakk’s CAD design images for the production.

I need to thank: Cadi Lane, Ruby Spencer Pugh, Joe Johnson, Rhianna McGregor, Sophie McLean & Lizzie French, I am so incredibly thankful and blown away by how much work and effort went into creating the structure from a CAD image to sitting there proudly onstage. 600 individual planes. Incredible. Thank you.

Photograph Kirsten McTernan Photography and Design
Do you have any future work planned in Wales?
After the successes of A Good Clean Heart’s opening run, I believe the plan is to take it up to Edinburgh over the summer. Similarly with Saturday Night Forever, I believe the plan is to take it as a triple bill rep. alongside two fantastic Welsh productions. Further collaboration with designers met on STNB at Theatr Genedlaethol, a trip to Theatr Clwyd in the summer and a return to The Other Room in the new season are on the cards. All of this is TBC and subject to funding.
Thanks for your time Zakk, its been a fascinating insight into you and your work.

Theatre

Review Sand The Other Room by Kaitlin Wray

February 21, 2016 Kaitlin Wray Leave a comment

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It’s always hard when you have to do a monologue on stage, but a 40 minute intense one with only one week practice is pretty much impossible. Yet that is what Sara Lloyd Gregory did. Even though she had her script on stage she didn’t falter one bit. Taking on Sand by Nick Gill, a monologue that took on the themes of grief, war and nuclear weapons. Sara’s intensity kept gradually building until the very end when she just blew us away. Her vocal training and breath control was impeccable even when the pace was phenomenally quick.
Kate Wasserberg, director of this production lead this performance to a success, the timed pauses and the changes in emotions and attitudes were completely on point. One thing that also has to be applauded was the use of sound by Sam Jones and lighting by Katy Morison, both aspects made the performance mesmerising to watch and in some parts it even felt like it was in a different dimension.
One of the main aspects I love coming to watch the Other Room’s seasonal performances is that they always pick challenging pieces yet they always bring in such professional actors that completely deliver.

Theatre

Review Play/Silence The Other Room by Kaitlin Wray

January 24, 2016 Kaitlin Wray Leave a comment

The Other Room Theatre kick of 2016 with their new season ‘Insomnia,’ bringing us a double bill of both Beckett and Pinter’s work. These 20th century playwrights are considered to be two of the most influential dramatists of all time.
The plays ‘Play’ by Beckett and ‘Silence’ by Pinter, both draw on themes around betrayal and lust. Both Kate Wasserberg, (director of ‘Play’ and Artistic Director of the Other Room) and Titas Halder, (director of ‘Silence’) made sure these plays were not only performed with great distinction but also showed great technical accomplishment.
Stepping into the first performance of the Other Room theatre there was soundscape in the background (composed and sound designed by Dyfan Jones) creating the mood that was hardly noticed at first but grew louder and louder until everyone was completely engaged and then it just cut out. A deathly silence where the audience was left in the pitch black, all senses removed, waiting in suspense. This was the first moment that completely drew me in to the performance, this moment never left me until I was ushered out of my seat. I was in complete awe at what I had just seen.
Floating heads on stage, muttering things one couldn’t comprehend, the imagery in this was beautiful. Then controlled by a single spotlight it shone onto the character speaking at the time with everything else surrounded in blackness. This technically was beautiful as we were transfixed on what was being shown. It felt like you were at a tennis match where you kept moving your head to the next performance not wanting to blink in case you missed the next moment.
The performers were incredible, their focused stare and fast paced speaking with hardly pausing was a treat to see. It was evident that they had complete dedication to this performance as their pronunciation was spot on even though the pace was remarkably difficult. The trio of performers even though they were speaking in quite a monotonous way showed great characterisation and we could fully get a sense of each personality.
After only knowing Matthew Bulgo through his great work as a playwright on ‘Last Christmas’ for Dirty Protest, his acting ability corresponded to the success of his play. Acting alongside him was Victoria John who showed comedy within this play and who’s laugh has to be up there with the greatest of evil laughs. Then Peta Cornish who captivated us with the use of her eyes and her elegant speaking voice.
This was a performance that frazzled my mind yet I would want to see it again and again just to get another glimpse into those lives.
The second performance, Pinter’s ‘Silence’ was technically less demanding but nonetheless just as beautiful, the simplistic set worked really well and it felt like the actors were in another dimension. What I noticed most of all was their use of spatial awareness, when one person moved to a different spot, the others would change their position so it always looked aesthetically pleasing to the eye. This was well thought through and blocked. The performers acting was equally accomplished with Matthew Bulgo playing Rumsey, showing us a more desperate side than the comical side we saw earlier, Peta Cornish playing Ellen uses her eyes as an emotive tool which was something I haven’t seen in a long time in a performance, truly remarkable. Then, Neal McWilliams playing Bates. Neal played a character who had a boyish charm that really put extra depth into this performance and made it stand out so much more. Each performer showed us what it felt like to be in desperation of love and hope, to have such strong feelings and the want to connect with one another.
This double bill was a great way to step out from the outer world into something much deeper. This is a performance that makes you feel something you definitely didn’t feel before entering the room. As an actor myself these plays are something every actor dreams to play, the way they are technically demanding for the voice and how you have to be completely disciplined with your whole body making sure you know every tiny movement you make will have great impact on the performance. I thoroughly enjoyed the night and cant wait to watch the Other Rooms next performance of ‘Sand’ by Nick Gill.
Photographic credit Pallasca Photography

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