Two north-east actors have been inspired by Brexit to take part in a new play with the Scottish Youth Theatre National Ensemble.
A company of 20 young artists will bring the production to The Lemon Tree in what has been described as a “homecoming” for the troupe’s two members from the region.
In May, the SYTNE announced their summer production would be Act of Repair, which will tour Scotland thanks to support from Creative Scotland’s Open Project Fund.
The play began life when the company was tasked with discussing the subject of Brexit, and the group’s young people explored the allegations that the campaign used online technology to influence public opinion.
Calum Moore, 24, from Auchterless, said: “Nearly everyone has signed up to apps, 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 terms and conditions.
“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.”
Rachel Bell, 18, from Aberdeen, added: “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.”
Director of the play, Brian Ferguson, is perhaps best known for his screen rather than stage work, having starred in Line of Duty, Trust Me, Doctors and Outlander.
He said: “I began my journey as an actor at Scottish Youth Theatre, so I’m delighted to be returning to where it all started.
“Young people aged 16 -25 from across Scotland forming their opinion about what theatre should be and what it should do is so inspiring.”
Act of Repair will show at the The Lemon Tree in Aberdeen on Wednesday, at 7.30pm.
More information can be found at www.scottishyouththeatre.org.
