Compelling drama
A TAUT and gripping drama about one of the darkest periods in history is coming up at the Stephen Joseph Theatre this month.
Hypothermia is "a moving and powerful celebration of life, hope and love", says SJT press officer Lizzie Glazier.
"Dark, funny, poignant and compelling, this thrilling play has a unique physical style and is a piece of new and original writing," Lizzie says.
It is based on fact during a period when 'mercy killing' served as a cloak for the mass murder of people with disabilities.
Hypothermia asks how far removed we are now from making judgements about the worth of humanity and whether a reluctance to take action and fight prejudice could result in similar acts happening again.
Central character Oskar lives in a state hospital in Andernach, Germany. He keeps the other patients in order, jokes with staff, sings opera and tends to a fine collection of plants in the conservatory. And then, in the bleak winter of 1940, a dark visitor arrives and two holes are dug into a frozen lake.
Written and directed by Vanessa Brooks, Hypothermia will be performed by a theatre company called Full Body and the Voice on February 19 and 20.
Vanessa says: "The Holocaust and the links to learning disability are not widely known. I worked at Full Body and the Voice a few years ago before becoming artistic director. It inspired me to write Hypothermia and was taken from subject matter which had been of interest for some time. Full Body and the Voice trains and promotes learning-disabled actors and treats them as equals – the total antithesis of Germany in the 1940s where anyone with a learning disability was seen as a 'useless eater', 'life unworthy of life'."
The cast of five have a wealth of experience in theatre and TV. The central role of Oskar is taken by leading learning-disabled actor Ben Langford. The role, which was written for Ben, showcases his talent and experience, and aims to break down any misconceptions of what can be achieved by someone with a learning disability. Vanessa says: "He brings a unique creative energy which can only serve to enhance the usual audience experience."
Vanessa is a playwright and author of Penny Blue, Let's Pretend, Love Me Slender and Poor Mrs Pepys.
The score is by musical director Laurence Kaye and the set by designer Kevin Jenkins.
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Weather for Scarborough
Saturday 26 May 2012
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Temperature: 9 C to 16 C
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