Tissue is a about cancer - something that will affect most, if not all, of us in some way. Broadway Baby finds out more.
Tissue, written by Louise Page, is composed of many short scenes so we used as much material, both drama and cancer-related, to shape each one into its own lasting image.
Tell us about your show
Tissue is about cancer. Breast cancer to be precise.
The story of Sally allows the audience into her life and the experience of her diagnosis. Through her doctors and her brother, the friend who fell out of touch and other unknown patients, Tissue, like cancer, touches on every part of Sally's life.
Performed in the round with minimal set and costume, Tissue is not theatre for the sake of theatre, but for every story reflected on stage. Insightful and often darkly funny, it deals with cancer in a sensitive, yet revealing, manner.
A panel discussion of Cancer Research UK experts and cancer survivors, following the show, brings Sally's 1970s story into the context of modern day experience. In promoting conversations about cancer, a greater understanding will be gained about a disease which will – if it hasn’t already – have an impact upon every person’s life.
Why did you decide to take your show to Space UK this year?
We decided to take our show to theSpace UK this year after brilliant responses from other shows. The central positioning of the Upper Theatre on Niddry Street and the support offered by theSpaceUK are perfect for Cancer Out Loud’s and Cancer Research UK's first Fringe production.
What makes your show unique amongst the thousands of others at the festival?
Tissue has a clear aim and message - to get peoplediscussing a disease which will affect every audience member and to raise vital funds.
Where else are you going to find that?
How did you create your show?
Tissue, written by Louise Page, is composed of many short scenes so we used as much material, both drama and cancer-related, to shape each one into its own lasting image. Keeping set and props as simple as possible enabled a greater exploration of the different, intertwining stories. The actors have done a stellar job in developing the personalities of their characters.
When Cancer Research UK suggested that we followed Tissue with a discussion, led by a panel of cancer survivors and experts, it was too good an opportunity to miss! By bringing this 1970s story into the present day, exploring the power of simply talking about cancer, and inspiring people to get involved, the combination embodies the aim of Cancer Out Loud.
What’s the main thing you want to get out of the festival this year?
Now that one in two people are diagnosed with cancer, it is so important that the work of Cancer Research UK can continue - our lives are quite literally in their hands. Giving support to CRUK is vitally important as almost all of their funding is from the public.
Pairing their work with a performance of Tissue at Fringe 2015 is a chance for everyone to join in the conversation. The more people talk and give and the more barriers are broken down, the sooner we can beat cancer. If one person checks themselves, donates, or understands a little more, then we have succeeded.
If your show does well in Edinburgh, what do you want to do with it next?
We want to take Tissue to as many people as we possibly can – schools, community centres and theatres. Cancer does not pick and choose its patients so we won't pick and choose our audience.
Show Name: Tissue
Production Company: Cancer Out Loud
Venue: Upper Theatre, Niddry Street
Dates: 25th-29th August 2015
Times: 1030 - 1200
Twitter Handle: @canceroutloud
