BRAINSTORM
Rangi Ruru Merivale Lane Theatre, Christchurch
10/12/2019 - 14/12/2019
Production Details
TAKING SCIENCE TO THE STAGE IN BRAINSTORM
Across five nights this December, 19 young performers will be explaining the science of growing up when they take the stage to perform ground-breaking play, Brainstorm.
Combining the research of neuroscientists and the performers’ own life experiences, Brainstorm is an intimate piece of theatre that contextualizes the science operating inside young people’s brains.
“A lot of the research on the adolescent brain is written for parents,” explains director and devisor Rachel Sears. “It’s directed at ‘understanding your teen’ and answering questions like ‘why won’t they get out of bed’ and we really wanted to reclaim that research. This is about young people, so why can’t young people present it and understand it themselves?”
This is the final production for the 2019 Court Youth Company, showcasing the talents of 19 performers aged 17 – 21 who have spent the year honing their theatrical abilities at The Court Theatre.
Speaking about what makes Brainstorm special, performer and devisor Josiah Morgan says, “You see a lot of fully scripted shows and a lot of fully devised shows, but not many that combines both. People will have to see Brainstorm to experience that!”
“What we’ve been creating is completely different,” agrees fellow performer and devisor Stella Cheersmith. “Unlike fully scripted shows, it feels like there’s a lot more input from everyone individually in Brainstorm.”
With its innovative concept, this special piece of theatre offers up the rare chance to step inside the mind of not just one young person, but 19.
“It’s focused on a particular time in your life when you’re going through a lot,” explains Sears. “I think that audience members will enjoy experiencing the stories of the young people in our company.”
Brainstorm
Rangi Ruru Merivale Lane Theatre
10 – 14 December 2019
Tuesday – Saturday 7:00pm
Adult $22 Student $15
Bookings: phone 03 963 0870 or visit www.courttheatre.org.nz
Performers/Devisors
Abby Burkin
James Caughley
Stella Cheersmith
Kaitlyn Cooper
Haydon Dickie
Felix Elliott
Jorja Farrant
Lillian Fata
Sarah Lawrence
Luka Malthus
Anita Mapukata
Josiah Morgan
Sam Scott
Anaru Shadbolt
Isayah Snow
Freddy Thornton
Richard Townsend
Travis Woffenden
Creatives
Director/Devisor Rachel Sears
Assistant Director/Devisor Paris Thornley
Sound Designer William Burns
Lighting Designer/Production Mentor Giles Tanner
Devisor Quinn Kueppers
Youth , Theatre ,
Impressive blend of musical styles, languages, comedy, emotion and heartache
Review by Brigid Rennell 16th Dec 2019
[I apologise for the late posting of this review – ed]
As we enter the theatre, iconic anthems of youth create an expectant atmosphere and the teenager’s bedroom on stage sets the scene.
We are immediately drawn into this ensemble piece with the arrival on stage of the players. Their words and actions challenge us to listen and to take a moment to understand. Understand just what is going on in the brain of a teenager.
The information might come from a Science lesson, but it is made personal, real and at times both humorous and raw by this talented and high energy cast.
We are given not only a glimpse at what makes these young people’s minds tick but even more compelling is the sneak peek they allow us into their personal worlds.
From the chaos of decision making to the crushing pressure of day-to-day life, each individual shares pieces of themselves. Actors need to open themselves up to reach their audience, and we are entranced and engaged by the willingness of these young people to be vulnerable.
But it is not all teenage angst and depression. Some very clever scripting and ensemble movement is paired with an array of musical styles that take us on a sensory journey that seems to link with the erratic youthful brain. The hilarious rapping and cavorting of the ‘limbic system’ is balanced against the haunting intro and intermittent numbers from the band/orchestra.
There is a blending of musical styles and a blending of languages. There is a blending of comedy and a blending of emotion and heartache. This a whole piece from a large cast that highlights individuals and illustrates beautifully the condition of isolation in numbers, of being lost in a crowd, lonely when surrounded by others.
The conclusion is an original song that completes a circle and brings us back to the initial request to be understood. A standing ovation is well deserved. My two teenagers and I are impressed with the way we are drawn into the web of neurological complications and the emotional ride of teens.
A great play to see for both young folk and their support crews as well.
Copyright © in the review belongs to the reviewer
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