A pioneering theatrical venture and a production company have made a significant contribution to a charity that helps women and children who are victims of domestic violence.
Project Nia is a local support group espoused by Run at it Shouting
Writer/director Mark Ravenhill’s ten new plays were recently given rehearsed readings over two days at Wilton’s Music Hall by a team of some 85 actors. The event was organised by Charlie MacGechan and his production company, Run at it Shouting. Five plays in the cycle, entitled Run at it Laughing, were performed each day from midday to 9.30 pm.
This theatrical treat took us back to the days of the Commedia dell’arte, with inspiration for the plays drawn from a set of synopses written in 1611 by the Italian actor and manager Flaminio Scala. Originally, the stimulus for improvised pieces featuring the stereotypes of the genre, Ravenhill took each description and turned it into a continuous 90-minute script for ten or so actors.
With no set, movement, or costumes, the focus was entirely on delivery, and the numerous actors did not fall short in creating an array of distinctive characters full of life, energy, and humour. There were twisted plots, much scheming, a great deal of deceit, an abundance of humour, and the joy of watching actors revelling in a fast-paced hybrid theatrical genre that gave them the chance to portray eccentric characters with affected accents and a wealth of bawdy wit and innuendo. Think along the lines of the Carry On films with a hint of Restoration Comedy. For those who saw more than one play, there was the added opportunity to become familiar with some key characters who appeared in each play, much like a soap opera or a character-sketch series.
Run at it Laughing was a joyous two-day event with the air of a festival and much excitement, but there was also a fundraising aspect to it. Project Nia is a local support group endorsed by Run at it Shouting that helps women and children who are victims of domestic violence. To that end, all actors volunteered their services.
Run at It Shouting Founder Charlie MacGechan explains: “In September 2020, RAIS raised £2,250 with our rehearsed reading of Harold Pinter's The Dwarfs and now, with Run at it Laughing, we’ve raised another £2,275. Total: £4,525. Whoop!”
Mark Ravenhill commented: “I’m so proud of the achievement of everyone involved with Run at it Laughing, all of whom donated their time and talent. As well as the money, I hope it will raise awareness of the vital work of Project Nia to end violence against women and girls.”
The charity’s Chief Executive, Jodie Woodward, says: “We are incredibly grateful to everyone involved in this event and especially to Run at It Shouting for their ongoing support of our charity. Every year we work with over 1,000 women and girls who have experienced domestic and sexual violence. Raising enough funds to run these vital services is a struggle year on year. This donation will support us in the delivery of our specialist women-led services.”
Links
Project Nia: https://project-nia.org/
RAIS: https://runatitshouting.co.uk/
