Friday 14 July 2017

Don't Cry For Me, Dramaturgy: Andrew Macmillen @ Edfringe 2017

DON'T CRY FOR ME KENNY DALGLISH

an original play written and performed by Andrew Macmillen. The play fuses monologue, song and physical theatre to create a powerful exploration of identity and loyalty as it traces the story of Danny McLure from childhood football fanatic to middle-aged man reflecting on his experiences following Scotland at the 1978 World Cup and as a soldier during the Falklands War.


DON'T CRY FOR ME KENNY DALGLISH will premiere at the Edinburgh Fringe on Friday 4th August 2017 and run every day until Saturday 19th August (except Sunday 13th August).


What was the inspiration for this performance?
A combination of factors - I was 13 when Scotland's 1978 World Cup story played out and suffered like I can never forget. Four years later guys I was at school with went off to fight in the Falklands. Many years later I ended up living in Argentina and learned about the abuses of the military dictatorship and the idea emerged of fusing these three elements into one story which is that told in DON'T CRY FOR ME KENNY DALGLISH.
Is performance still a good space for the public discussion of ideas? 
I think so, although the main drawback is the small numbers who can attend a performance compared with mass media. However, the issues raised in the play are best treated in a small intimate setting and so the venue I have chosen at Edinburgh is ideal.
How did you become interested in making performance?
The theatre has a magic about it that no other medium has. I have been interested since I was a child but only started properly getting into acting as an adult.
Is there any particular approach to the making of the show?
My main idea has to create an intimate connection with the audience in order to tell a story and take them on a journey. Hence the small venue, one man cast and minimum props/set. It is just the protagonist - Danny McLure and the audience.
Does the show fit with your usual productions?
This is the first production for Umbral Productions so something of an experiment and adventure for me. I am usually seen in comedies in amateur productions.
What do you hope that the audience will experience?
A profound empathy with the story that will make them think more about our common identity rather than the trivia that divide us.
What strategies did you consider towards shaping this audience experience?
Since inception there was only ever one strategy - simplicity.

Venue: theSpace @ Surgeons Hall, Nicolson St, Edinburgh, EH8 9DW (Theatre 3)
Time: 19.10. The show lasts approximately 50 minutes.

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