Broadway Baby talks to the talent behind The State of Concrete, a show exploring the stereotypes and exceptions to the rule in modern council estates.
The State of Concrete shows the stereotypes and the exceptions to the rules, all living in the same community.
Tell us about your show
Set in a small neighbourhood on the deprived Britwell council estate, the action depicts the life and times of the children of the area: the future set out for them and how they get stuck. Based on true stories, real people, and overheard conversations, The State of Concrete shows the stereotypes and the exceptions to the rules, all living in the same community.
Why did you decide to take your show to Space UK this year?
Having had members of our company involved in shows at their venues before we knew that they would be our first choice.
What are you most looking forward to at this year’s festival?
The exciting pieces of new writing that will be making their debut at the festival.
Why Edinburgh? What’s the attraction?
The city is beautiful and, during the festival, energy seems to flow from the very stones beneath your feet. The creative minds all mix and meld together to inspire one to continue working harder, to make oneself even better.
Have you brought a show to the festival before?
LUTheatre has brought many shows to the festival during its long history, but this is the first time in several years.
What makes your show unique amongst the thousands of others at the festival?
The State of Concrete is explorative. It presents us with characters and events lifted directly real life and asks us to question our own prejudices towards those we deem ‘inferior’. The characters play with stereotypes, attempting to present themselves in this ‘hard gangster’ fashion but unsure why. We ask the audience to look at these moments, these stories, and consider the lives that happen in the places we try to ignore.
What has been the biggest challenge in getting your show ready for Edinburgh?
It has been difficult to balance the drama of the stories with the unbridled joy that happens. Telling the stories as the challenges that they were for the people without including the moments of happiness between them.
Can you tell us a bit about your company’s background?
LUTheatre is the drama and theatre society of The University of Leicester, known for their recent productions of Richard III performed at the university, Leicester Cathedral and The Courtyard Theatre, Stratford, in association with RSC Open Stages.
Show Name: The State of Concrete
Production Company: LUTheatre
Venue: Grand Theatre, theSpace @ Surgeon’s Hall
Dates: 17th – 22nd
Times: 12:40 – 1:55
