The Royal Exchange is definitely the place to be for world premieres. This year, we’ve already had the fantastic Scuttlers, and the breath-taking Yen. But coming on 26th March is something particularly exciting; a brand new piece of work from The Royal Exchange Young Company, Brink.
Written by Jackie Kay MBE, in collaboration with the Young Company, Brink examines the pivotal moments in one’s life, and the consequences that come with making potentially life-changing decisions.
The Royal Exchange’s Associate Artistic Director, Matthew Xia, directs Brink, and he sat down with The Good Review to give us an idea of what audiences can expect.
“When I arrived (at the Royal Exchange) there were a couple of options on the table as to what I could do. I knew I needed to make a statement about why I believe theatre exists. And directing the Young Company in a brand new show that was written for them felt like the best way of making that statement.”
“First of all, (Jackie Kay) said to the Young Company, “what is Brink?” And she got a variety of answers, and then she started to tease out of them the “brinking” moments they’d had in their lives. We’re now calling them the “brinking” years, from 14 to 21, which is when the safety net is slowly removed by parents, and you’re pushed out into the world, and told to have a go at being an adult. And there is such a sense of finality in all of their decisions. Like choosing the wrong A-Levels.”
“It’s about those pivotal moments in their lives which can range from coming out, to facing the fact that you have clinical depression. And simpler things, like not knowing which sandwich to choose.”
“It’s also a chance for the Young Company to work with a professional team. We’ve got brilliant lighting and set designers, stage management, and the Young Company feed into that. The image for the poster (above) was taken by one of the Young Company members. And it’s just an opportunity for them to make a show. So many young peoples’ shows that you see have them dressing up as little old men, or just characters that aren’t them. And this is written specifically with them in mind. It’s their stories, slightly re-shaped by a writer to create an evening in the theatre.”
The Good Review are particularly excited about Brink, as we were extremely impressed with their devised piece, Talking Vaguely About Revolution, in 2014. The group of budding actors showed real promise, and we think with the expertise of Matthew Xia and Jackie Kay, the Young Company will produce another exciting premiere for the Royal Exchange.
Brink runs from 26th – 29th March in the Royal Exchange Studio. For tickets and information, please click here.
