MAYFLOWER Youth Theatre has been selected to stage a new play at the National Theatre this summer.
Talented performers from the Southampton-based company will perform The Ramayana Reset, a new play by Ayeesha Menon, with choreography by Hofesh Shechter at the 2022 Connections Festival from June 28 to July 2. The play was first performed at MAST Mayflower Studios Southampton.
Ten companies from across the UK have been selected to perform at the National Theatre to represent the range of exciting work being produced nationwide.
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Mayflower Youth Theatre currently has eight youth theatre groups covering musical theatre and drama across both the Mayflower Theatre and MAST Mayflower Studios.
The Ramayana Reset has provided an exciting challenge for all involved, allowing the whole company to explore a different style of theatre whilst placing ensemble and movement work at the heart of their production.
Now in its 27th year, Connections champions the talent of young people across the UK, with ten new plays by established and emerging contemporary playwrights exclusively commissioned for young people to stage and perform.
Over 5,400 young people participating from 228 youth groups have had the opportunity to stage their production at one of 28 leading partner theatres nationwide, including MAST.
The Ramayana Reset is a play about Zara, a teenager who has a decision to make....to like or not to like...the latest Instagram post by her friendship group. This is a piece of dance-drama, using movement inspired by award-winning choreographer Hofesh Shechter.
This is a big story that fills the stage with action – there are fires, battles, trials and weapons powerful enough to end the universe. But most importantly of all there is love....and loyalty?
Participants are involved with every aspect of creating and staging the play and take on a variety of backstage and off-stage roles, from operating lights and sound to set and costume design and stage management.
Group leader Josh Whatsize said: "National Theatre Connections is the perfect opportunity for young people to explore new writing and take ownership on a production. The National Theatre Connections team fully supports every young company, making it an invaluable experience for all involved."
Tickets are £5. To book, visit nationaltheatre.org.uk/connections
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