Sterts stages ‘bittersweet story of lasting male friendship’
THE Cornish production company behind sell-out shows Third Light and Gonamena are set to return with a new play this summer.
Headed by Sarah Pym and Simon Parker, The Arc’s first production, Gonamena,told the story of the Caradon mining area’s boom-and-bust years, and involved more than 100 performers, musicians and technicians of all ages.
Written by Simon Parker, directed by Kneehigh’s Simon Harvey, with musical direction by multiaward-winning composer Simon Dobson, Gonamena played to packed houses at Sterts Theatre in Upton Cross during 2009.
Their second collaboration was Third Light. Also written by Simon Parker, it told the story of Herodsfoot, the only place in Cornwall to welcome home all its men who left for war in 1914 – earning it the title of a ‘fortunate village’.
Combining the talents of directors Nicola Rosewarne and Ben Dunks, musicians of St Pinnock Brass Band, and a professional and community cast of more than 70,Third Light premiered at Sterts in 2014. Four years later, the company took Third Light to The Minack for a sell-out, week-long run at the famous clifftop theatre.
Rehearsals for The Arc’s latest play – Poltroon – have begun (via Zoom) and is scheduled for six shows (five evenings and one matinee) from July 6-10 at Sterts. Again written by Simon Parker, Poltroon is a bittersweet story of lasting male friendship set in a Cornish community. In contrast to previous outings, Poltroon’s cast is limited to just seven performers, plus a small ensemble of singers.
Always strong on creating a believable world, Poltroon’s set – designed by Meier Williams – is said to be an imaginative evocation of a Cornish coastal village. “Through humour, song, and the revealing of shared experiences, the story of Poltroon follows a group of old boys who have been friends for a very long time, and examines why us men often hide our true feelings,” said Simon.
“At its core,” he added, “lies the question: Have you ever wondered how life might have turned out if you had made different decisions?”