Director Nick Bagnall on one woman show by Louise Marwood Rita Lynn, coming to Turbine Theatre.
Tell us a bit about Rita Lynn
Rita Lynn is an extraordinary one woman show that looks at addiction and recovery through the lens of someone who is stuck deep in the heart of the struggle. It takes the themes of this disease and i have made it into a theatrically exciting and vital piece of story telling.
What made you want to direct this show?
In the first instance Louise. She is a brilliant performer and wears her heart on her sleeve. she comes to this piece with a deep understanding. she has us in the palm of her hand. you can laugh and cry in the flourish of a sentence. Secondly. I haven’t come across a piece which deals with Addiction and recovery in such a gloriously raw and honest and playful way.
What are the particular challenges of making work like this?
One person shows are dreadfully tricky. you have to be careful that the theatrical language and the story telling is precise and yet surprising. You need to keep an audience engaged at all times and therefore the world that one creates needs to be crystal clear. the truth and honesty of the story cant be shied away from but one always has to have an eye on the universality of the story and the need for all to be included. the hardest thing i think is to make sure that we are not patronising or softening the despair but making sure our choices are playful and vital. to always remember that we are in a play and not rehab.
What can audiences expect from the show?
A fabulous performer/ a brilliant and vital story. Joy hope despair anger and glitter.
What’s next for you?
I have just finished doing the christmas show for the Globe, Hansel and Gretel, by Simon Armitage and am about to go into a period of development with the National Theatre on Jim Cartwrights new play NORTHERN SOUL. Lots of very exciting projects in 2024 but this is the next.
Rita Lynn runs 23-27 January 2024 at Turbine Theatre, for more info and to book tickets please see their website www.theturbinetheatre.com/whats-on/rita-lynn
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