The Spine - Spring 2020
Photography by Wesley Storey
Introduction
The football academy system promises young men the world, riches and fame, which makes it difficult to acknowledge the minimal success rate (0.012%). This play will explore what happens when there is a risk of that being pulled away and how the pressures of the system manifest in these young men. The story will discuss brotherhood and how we deal with mental health issues in a hyper masculine space.
Participation
Football Tournament - We held a football tournament for young people in Liverpool at FireFit in Toxteth. Over 60 young people took part in this tournament with live music, food and family activities.
Lyric Writing Workshops - Louie Le Vack ran a series of lyric writing workshops as a part of the tour, developing lyrics and music with young people across the country.
The Spine Tour
Unity Theatre - Liverpool
Crew Lyceum
High Peaks
Prescott Library
Huyton Library Culture Hub
Stratford Circus Arts Centre
Camden Peoples Theatre
Artistic Team
Written and directed by Nathan Powell
Company/Stage Manager - Fiona Hilton
Dramaturg - Phillip Osment
Movement - Rachael Nanyonjo
Sound Design - Conrad Kira
Set and costume design - Kirsty Barlow
Lighting Design - Phil Saunders
ASM - Rachael Smart
Cast
Malachi Pullar-Latchman
Keith Rice
Tristan Waterson
Reviews
This vibrant, kinetic, pulsating and uber-energetic show keeps us on the edge of our seats throughout and I defy anyone to watch it and not leave the theatre re-vitalised and, well, energised.
This is a raw, dynamic and exciting piece of relevant theatre that has a real beating heart and a lot to say about how we live today
The writing is reminiscent of John Godber’s classic Up ‘n’ Under, it is fun and fearless, effectively using multi-roleplay to tell the story. Despite having a similar vivacious energy to Godber’s work this play is clearly not an imitation of the Yorkshire writer – it is refreshingly unique.
It is a thoughtful and powerful piece of theatre....Beautifully written and directed by Nathan Powell