CLICK HERE TO ADD YOUR EVENT

Current affairs are a major inspiration behind a new piece of political theatre by Scottish Youth Theatre National Ensemble 2019

How tech giants use our online activity is the subject of a new ground breaking theatre production touring Scotland this July!

Current affairs are a major inspiration behind a new piece of political theatre by Scottish Youth Theatre National Ensemble 2019

Article Source: Scottish Youth Theatre
Last Updated: 9 July 2019 7:39

This summer, a company of 20 radical young artists will tour a new production which will make us think twice the next time we go online.

Act of Repair began life when the company was tasked with discussing the subject of Brexit. They initially explored the allegations that the campaign used online technology to influence public opinion. This led them on a creative journey of investigation, featuring talks by guest-speakers plus plenty of research including reading The Age of Surveillance Capitalism: The Fight for a Human Future at the New Frontier of Power- a ground-breaking book by academic Shoshana Zuboff.

In May, the company announced their summer production would be Act of Repair, which will tour Scotland in July thanks to support from Creative Scotland’s Open Project Fund. The piece is devised and performed by the company and Ensemble member Hannah Hassan (23) from Bute explains more about what the audience can expect: “Nearly everyone has signed up to aps, social media and search engines. They ask us to agree to the terms and conditions – a wee box that most of us tick without even reading the T & Cs. When we discussed this as a group, one company member said – I know that company are using my data - but so what? Act of Repair explores the so what.”

The subject has been in the news recently, with Facebook in-particular being scrutinised for how it has been used to provide a platform for political influencers or sinister forces. The subject was investigated in more detail by Shoshana Zuboff’s book which was a major inspiration to the group as Hannah explains: “In the past, capitalism has involved us engaging as customers. But in this new data age, we are no longer the customers – we are the raw materials.”

The role of Director of Act of Repair has been assumed by Brian Ferguson – a face more familiar to Scottish audiences for his acting career on stage and screen. Last year he took the title role in the National Theatre of Scotland’s production of Cyrano de Bergerac. More recently he graced the silver screen in the Scottish film Beats and television audiences will know him from The Victim, Trust Me, Line of Duty, Doctors and Outlander to name just a few of his credits. He has also appeared in acclaimed productions by the RSC, the Bush Theatre and the Royal Court. On choosing the Scottish Youth Theatre National Ensemble for his major directorial debut, Brian explains: “I began my journey as an actor at Scottish Youth Theatre when I attended their Summer Courses when I was younger, so I’m delighted to be returning to where it all started for me.

Plus I was really drawn to the opportunity to work with a large ensemble. As an artist I’ve always sought out ensemble work – the idea that everyone in the room has a voice and has ownership of the piece. The age group of this company was really interesting to me. Young people aged 16 - 25 from across Scotland forming their opinion about what theatre should be and what it should do is so inspiring. So I was delighted when I was invited to be the Director of the 2019 company.”


Despite exploring technological forces and capitalism, Brian says the show won’t be hugely technical or futuristic; “The focus will be on storytelling. Our intention is that we use the whole of the Ensemble, filling the stage with lots of voices.”

The National Ensemble 2019 is the latest incarnation of Scottish Youth Theatre’s flagship project which was launched in 2017, as Creative Producer Mahri Reilly explains; “The National Ensemble is made up of 20 emerging artists who are selected every year from auditions across Scotland. They are chosen for their exceptional potential as performers and theatre makers.

“This year’s company represents the wealth of artistic talent Scotland has to offer with artists from Bute, Inverness, Arbroath, Aberdeenshire, Edinburgh, Fife, Renfrewshire and Clydebank to name just a few. I’m confident that this year’s company will continue to deliver the high standard of theatre that has been established by previous Ensembles.”


Act of Repair opens at CCA in Glasgow on Friday 19 July and will tour to Eden Court Theatre (Inverness), The Lemon Tree (Aberdeen), Theatre Royal Dumfries and McLaren High School as part of Callander Summerfest.

More information can be found at www.scottishyouththeatre.org.

Sponsored Links

Media Shop
Paisley Town Hall Wedding Fayre
One Ren
Renfrewshire Council
Pace Youth Theatre
The Quay
Link

Latest Renfrewshire News

Dinosaur Day at Dobbies

Dinosaur Day at Dobbies

Children attending Dobbies Little Seedlings Club will get the chance to travel back hundreds of millions of years to learn about prehistoric plants and talk about their favourite dinosaurs!

READ MORE
Winter Connections programme boasts success for third year

Winter Connections programme boasts success for third year

Thousands of people across Renfrewshire have benefitted from Winter Connections running for a third year.

READ MORE
Summer long celebration of the 90s and britpop launched

Summer long celebration of the 90s and britpop launched

PubLife, a UK-wide summer celebration of the '90s will take place in over 500 pubs, including 7 in Scotland.

READ MORE
Family days out just got better with free entry for kids at Scone Palace

Family days out just got better with free entry for kids at Scone Palace

This summer, as school holidays get underway, families are invited to enjoy a day out at Scone Palace with their Kids Go Free promotion.

READ MORE
Scone Palace International Horse Trials

Scone Palace International Horse Trials

The inaugural Scone Palace International Horse Trials will take place from 21st–24th August 2025 in the stunning grounds of Scone Palace and Perth Racecourse.

READ MORE
Major donation of Scottish artworks boosts Renfrewshire civic collection

Major donation of Scottish artworks boosts Renfrewshire civic collection

A magnificent collection of artworks has been donated to Renfrewshire's civic collection by Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, in memory of her late husband, John Shaw.

READ MORE
Renfrewshire launches Summer of Fun free activity programme

Renfrewshire launches Summer of Fun free activity programme

The new free summer activities programme for Renfrewshire children, young people and families is now available.

READ MORE
Countdown begins: The AJ Bell Great Scottish Run returns to Glasgow in October

Countdown begins: The AJ Bell Great Scottish Run returns to Glasgow in October

Scotland's greatest running event, the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run, will return to Glasgow on Sunday 5th October and they want everyone to 'Be Your Greatest'.

READ MORE
Thousands turn out to celebrate Sma Shot Day 2025

Thousands turn out to celebrate Sma Shot Day 2025

Thousands turned out to enjoy a day of fantastic live entertainment at Paisley's annual Sma' Shot Day celebrations on Saturday!

READ MORE
BTS fans take the spotlight in latest K Pop documentary heading to Vue

BTS fans take the spotlight in latest K Pop documentary heading to Vue

BTS Army: Forever We Are Young, a brand-new documentary celebrating the fans that helped catapult 21st century pop icons BTS into global stardom comes to Vue.

READ MORE
Jason Manford to play Paisley Town Hall as part of tour

Jason Manford to play Paisley Town Hall as part of tour

Comedian, actor, singer and presenter is latest big name to announce date at venue.

READ MORE
SAY Award opens submissions for eligible albums

SAY Award opens submissions for eligible albums

Scotland’s national music prize – the Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award – has opened submissions for 2025’s £20,000 prize.

READ MORE
Set sail for Paisley and enjoy a swashbuckling adventure on the high seas!

Set sail for Paisley and enjoy a swashbuckling adventure on the high seas!

Ahoy there mateys! The Pirates of Paisley is this year's must visit FREE summer brick adventure!

READ MORE
Paisley Town Hall bells mark Imagination Library becoming permanent

Paisley Town Hall bells mark Imagination Library becoming permanent

Much loved reading programme, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in Renfrewshire, celebrated becoming permanent with bell chimes.

READ MORE
Great value summer holiday activities at Dobbies Garden Centres

Great value summer holiday activities at Dobbies Garden Centres

This summer, gather the whole family and head to Dobbies Garden Centres for a day of fun-filled activities that will keep costs down.

READ MORE
Crowds celebrate the summer at Barshaw Gala Day

Crowds celebrate the summer at Barshaw Gala Day

Thousands turned out to celebrate summer at Barshaw Park on Saturday for Barshaw Gala Day.

READ MORE
FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores returns on 5th and 6th July

FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores returns on 5th and 6th July

Summerfest, the FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores, is back on the 5th and 6th of July with lots of things to see and do!

READ MORE
Grab your free reusable cup!

Grab your free reusable cup!

Fancy grabbing a free reusable takeaway cup and then getting a discount on your next drink from some of our local cafes?

READ MORE
Thorn Athletic and Inchinnan Development Trust to create brand new artificial pitches in Renfrewshire

Thorn Athletic and Inchinnan Development Trust to create brand new artificial pitches in Renfrewshire

Two major community sports projects in Renfrewshire are set to benefit from a significant funding boost.

READ MORE
Earlybird tickets drive buzz for 2026 Scottish Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Home Show

Earlybird tickets drive buzz for 2026 Scottish Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Home Show

The biggest show of its kind in Scotland returns with Earlybird tickets and a give-away with headline sponsor Border Caravans!

READ MORE
July events at Dobbies Garden Centres

July events at Dobbies Garden Centres

Check out July at Dobbies with it's Little Seedlings Club on rainforests and Grow How on pest control and healthy gardens!

READ MORE
Refurbished play park is a big success with local pupils

Refurbished play park is a big success with local pupils

Pupils from Auchenlodment Primary School in Johnstone gave their refurbished play park a big thumbs up after it underwent a major upgrade earlier this year.

READ MORE
Historic Environment Scotland calls for public stories for national wellbeing exhibition

Historic Environment Scotland calls for public stories for national wellbeing exhibition

Historic Environment Scotland is calling for people across the country to connect with heritage to boost their wellbeing as a part of a national campaign, Historic Places, Breathing Spaces.

READ MORE
Clan Wrestling returns to Braehead Arena with former WWE Champions

Clan Wrestling returns to Braehead Arena with former WWE Champions

After their first event in March, Clash of the Clans, Clan Wrestling makes its return to Braehead Arena on Saturday 6th September for its second event!

READ MORE
Renfrewshire invited to honour Armed Forces community

Renfrewshire invited to honour Armed Forces community

The Armed Forces Day flag will be raised outside Renfrewshire House on Friday in a short service to mark Armed Forces Day.

READ MORE
Works set to be undertaken to restore historic Kilbarchan Steeple buildings

Works set to be undertaken to restore historic Kilbarchan Steeple buildings

Councillors have agreed a £350,000 contract to carry out repairs to the historic Kilbarchan Steeple Buildings.

READ MORE
Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 adds two new categories and voting deadline extended!

Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 adds two new categories and voting deadline extended!

Scotland's hospitality industry and customers have spoken, and the Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 has listened!

READ MORE
Young people to choose their winners as Celebrating Renfrewshire Fund voting opens

Young people to choose their winners as Celebrating Renfrewshire Fund voting opens

Voting has opened for this year's Celebrating Renfrewshire Fund as young people get the chance to vote for the projects they think will make the most difference in their communities.

READ MORE
Get set for summer at Barshaw Gala Day

Get set for summer at Barshaw Gala Day

Crowds are set to soak up the summer vibes at Barshaw Gala Day with an afternoon packed full of exciting activities for all the family!

READ MORE
25th year of Refugee Festival Scotland gets underway

25th year of Refugee Festival Scotland gets underway

Refugee Festival Scotland gets underway today, kick-starting nine days of dance performances, film screenings, visual art and photography exhibitions and community events across the country.

READ MORE

Sponsored Links

St Columba's School
One Ren
Glasgow Science Centre
Paisley First
Go Radio
Hostelworld
ATG

Sponsored Links

Media Shop
Paisley Town Hall Wedding Fayre
One Ren
Renfrewshire Council
Pace Youth Theatre
The Quay
Link
St Columba's School
One Ren
Glasgow Science Centre
Paisley First
Go Radio
Hostelworld
ATG

Popular Events

Scotland’s Gardens Scheme Open Garden: North Newton Farm
In six years, the new owners have transformed North Newton Farm garden! Come and explore the grounds for yourself as part of Scotland’s Gardens Scheme.
Renfrewshire Business Network - July Meeting
Increase your business contacts and grow your network at the next Renfrewshire Business Network meeting which is being held at Launch-it in Paisley on Friday 25th July!
Celebrity Golf Day at Mar Hall in aid of Ardgowan Hospice
Join Ardgowan Hospice for a memorable day of golf, great company, and giving back, set against the backdrop of Mar Hall's championship course.
Keg & Cask: Guest Fest
Two Towns Down is thrilled to announce Guest Fest - a relaxed weekend celebration of exceptional keg and cask beer, taking place on Friday 18th and Saturday 19th July!
Summer Super Spotter Challenge
Explore the woodland trails at RSPB Lochwinnoch Nature Reserve this Summer on this family-friendly Scavenger Hunt!

Popular Listings

Beacon Arts Centre Braehead Arena Johnstone Town Hall Old Swan Inn Paisley Paisley Abbey Paisley Arts Centre Paisley Town Hall Robertson Park Renfrew The Bungalow Paisley Venue Paisley