Forres Tolbooth to host Findhorn based Theatre of the 7 Directions’ youth play

‘What does it mean to be evil?’

A group of 11-14-year-olds has considered the question and written a play based on it which they will perform in front of an audience at the Tolbooth at 4pm on Sunday, May 4.

The actors have been meeting every week at the venue since October to learn with Findhorn-based Theatre of the 7 Directions - a charity dedicated to using community theatre as a tool for wellbeing and growth.

Artistic director, Laura Pasetti, confirmed the performance will be the first culmination of the company’s ‘ecotheatre’ training.

She said: “The participants have been involved in every aspect of the production: from researching and developing their characters; to helping create their costumes; all with guidance from a skilled adult volunteer.

“The process started with group-building exercises focused on self-awareness and body expression. It then moved into improvisation around the central ‘evil’ theme.

“Their insights have been remarkable. In our conversations, we talked about feeling guilty for something we’ve done, getting a second chance and why we’re often drawn to villains in stories.

“The children’s reflections were thoughtful and profound, sparking debates about whether it’s possible to return from evilness and what makes a person truly good or bad.”

The story the young actors have devised follows a boy who decides that evil people have a much easier life. He calls upon his favourite fairy tale villains - the ugly sisters, the big bad wolf, a wicked witch, a troll, a dragon, an evil king, and the wolf from The Three Little Pigs - to teach him their ways. The motley crew agree to help, only to discover that making someone evil is not as simple as it seems.

“I’m continually inspired by how passionately young people engage with these big questions,” said Laura, “Especially when given the space and tools to express themselves.

“We invite all the good - and evil - folk of Forres to join us for an afternoon of theatre. These talented theatre course participants will showcase their work in the one-off, special performance.”

Seats are limited to 60-70. Tickets are £6 for children and £8 for adults. The show is not suitable for children under 5-years-old.

Tickets are available at https://events.humanitix.com/i-want-to-be-evil or email info@theatreofthe7directions.com

For more information visit www.theatreofthe7directions.com