Snared
In March 2012, Eastbourne College A level students Alex Mackwood, Oceanne Slipper, Sophie Millns and Lucy Tomkins devised and performed a gripping drama set in the African bush entitled ‘Snared’. This piece, inspired by the work of charities the High Five Club and the Born Free Foundation in Zambia, was tremendously effective and has since been developed into a professional play.
In February, ‘Snared’ was performed at the Gulbenkian Theatre, University of Kent to a packed house, and was followed by a ‘talk back’ on conservation with Dr Cheryl and Manny Mvula (representing Born Free and High Five), Ian Redmond (Colleague of Diane Fosse and consultant on the movie ‘Gorillas in the Mist’), journalist Simon Barnes (The Times) and wildlife broadcaster Bill Oddie.
A lively discussion was chaired by Tim Marriott, Director of Drama at the College. ‘Snared’ has now played theatres in Cheltenham, Margate, Bordon, Canterbury and Guildford as well as Eastbourne and provoked international interest – an amazing feat for a piece born out of a drama class and a tribute to the passion and vision of those students.
Following a recent performance of ‘Snared’ in Guidlford, Will Travers, CEO of the Born Free Foundation sent the following message to Mr Marriott:
“Virginia McKenna and I attended ‘Snared’ at the Mill Studio in Guildford last week. Wow! A tour de force! So much energy packed into an hour and some deep and challenging issues. Well done to the actors, the director, the production team, the writer – everyone involved.
It seems the world is full of extremes. Those who shoot, kill, maim and destroy. Those who justify cruelty and suffering in the name of science. Those who turn away at the first sign of trouble. Those who remain oblivious to reality. No one who sees ‘Snared’ could be left unmoved or ignore the harsh realities it presents.
It deserves a much wider airing (any commissioning editors out there?).
And a special thank you from Born Free which, along with the High Five Club, is a beneficiary of donations from the ‘Snared’ audience. Every little helps and if you would like to find out more then please do go to www.bornfree.org.uk.
All the best and let’s keep this show on the road!”
The photograph above shows Mr Marriott with Will Travers, Virginia McKenna and actors Victoria McManus and Philip Poole.
For more information about Drama and Theatre Studies at Eastbourne College, please click here.
