You can be hard-pressed to discover a present with as a lot coronary heart and soul as In Cahootz manufacturing of Martin Travers’ The Heckelburnie Hecklers.
The work is a collaboration between playwright Travers, the Creative Citizens undertaking and drama-based consultations inside Glasgow’s restoration neighborhood. This time, the creators have infused music all through the present, each acquainted pop hits and self-penned songs and that includes the Heckelburnie resident band Cauld Sweat. Most laudable is the truth that a yr in the past the musicians had by no means picked up an instrument and the singers solely expertise was some karaoke.
It’s a small city on the outskirts of Glasgow and its beating pulse, the local people corridor is beneath menace. And whereas trustworthy motives for its demolition and regeneration can be welcome, it’s modernisation by the council at the price of every little thing the neighborhood holds pricey: a spot to play, a spot to be taught – a protected escape for its residents.
Despite essentially the most underhand of efforts, the neighborhood gained’t go down with no combat and their tenacity, their resolve, sheer bloody-mindedness and love and help for each other imply that the way forward for the Heckelburnie hub might be vibrant.
The performing firm deliver the identical resolve, tenacity and care and help for each other to the stage. This is a real crew effort and every ensemble member infuses their fictional character with their very own private spark. The power simply radiates from the stage. There is actual coronary heart in each line and in each motion and the emotion transfers to the viewers.
It’s uncommon {that a} manufacturing actually warms the guts, from the concept to its execution this can be a cracker. A joyous manufacturing to observe and by the grins on the faces of the actors on the standing ovation on the finish – a pleasure to be a part of too.
If the goal was to point out communities that sticking collectively and that caring for each other, that galvanising our efforts could make us a drive for change, a drive for good in our somewhat grim world, then it has absolutely succeeded.
Images: Alex Brady
