Ecotheatre Summer Camp attendees to perform final show at Universal Hall, Findhorn on Sunday

YOUNG theatre students from Findhorn and as far away as Italy are performing at Universal Hall, Findhorn from 4pm on Sunday (August 6).

The Ecotheatre Summer Camp final show is the culmination of more than a week of intensive training and practice organised by Forres-based Charioteer Theatre run by Laura Pasetti.

Laura explained: "The 10-day course for 15 to 19-year-olds combines creativity and ecology to deepen relationships with the other-than-human world and to regain our sense of belonging.

"The first camp happened in Findhorn in 2015 - participants come from Italy and the UK. There are four locals in the current camp.

"Through a series of artistic experiences such as sensorial drawing, physical theatre, drumming and choir singing, participants explore parts of themselves that they are not so familiar with and discover hidden potential."

The course is intensive with sessions in the morning, afternoon and evening. At the end, the participants devise a short play, sharing their learning and the results of their exploration.

"The final show is an opportunity to see what a group of teens can achieve in such a short amount of time," said Laura, "and reflect upon important topics relevant nowadays that affect teenagers on a deep level."

Laura claims the camps are "life changing".

She said: "The embodiment of different characters opens attendees' minds and expands their consciousness. Participants learn to see different perspectives in life and to see challenges as opportunities of growth.

"They go home equipped with new resources and confidence. They also learn to develop kinship with nature that changes their vision of the world and their concept of identity. As Donna Haraway says: 'Why should our bodies end at the skin?'".

Depending on the duration and location, camp attendance costs between £900 and £1300 including accommodation, full board, tuition, tutoring and materials.

The final show is open to the public by donation.

Charioteer Theatre is seeking to obtain charitable status and change its name to Theatre of the 7 Directions.

Laura finished: "We want to offer more courses and workshops locally and propose more intergenerational projects. We hope to get funding and offer bursaries to local young people to attend the camp for free or at a considerably reduced rate.

"All donations collected before the performance will go towards a bursary for a local participant for the next camp."

For more information visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/summer-camp-2023-final-show-in-person-tickets-646256138507?aff=ebdsoporgprofile