Generation Z stars of festival launch
ROCHDALE’S Generation Z has some amazing talent as evidenced at Touchstones over two evenings at the launch of this year’s Rochdale Literature and Ideas Festival.
A Different Story of Rochdale written by the very talented Danny Lamb was the winner of the Festival’s playwriting competition and the first on the bill. It was showcased by members of the M6 Theatre.
It is the second of his plays and the first to be put into production. Danny, aged 26, was mentored by Nicola Schofield, herself an award-winning playwright. He is a librarian at Rochdale Libraries and drew inspiration from his surroundings, after all, the library is, of course, the place where dreams and mysteries abide.
It was a lovely piece of comedic writing that was a joy to see. It hinted at mysterious tunnels from the library to the town hall.
Secret bunkers under the street, not to mention the mystery surrounding the Baum rabbit and why did anyone never explain what really happened up at Owd Betts on the way to Edenfield.
This was a clever and alternative way of looking at our town. M6 Theatre Group actors Rachel Alcock and Robin Lyons were excellent in their characterisation of the piece.
An excellent and fitting start to this year’s Festival.
The second part of the Literary and Ideas Festival Launch was Streaks. Presented by The Rochdale Youth Theatre, directed by Lisa-Marie Hoctor from Mighty Heart Theatre. It was presented as a series of short prose and poetry pieces, including an impressive rap monologue I would have liked to have been able to re-examine, the content being of much relevance.
The very topical theme was of the pressures on young people today of social media and the effects it has on the mental health of young people.
Each piece was performed by the writer which, I felt, gave an added depth and great energy to performances.
These impressive writers/performers were Leon Whittle, Joe Reddon, Iqira Bibi, Sam Jamille and Ruby Inam.
The stage setting was utilitarian consisting of hand-written notices on pieces of cardboard. Upturned milk crates were used giving the area depth.
This treatment giving the work an interesting street vibe fully complimentary to the theme of the work.
Touchstones is the perfect venue for this type of theatre, the space much suited to intimate theatrical performance.
Generation Z were the ideal group to launch the Rochdale Literature and Ideas Festival 2018.