THE BALLAD OF MEGAN MORGAN. To 27 June.

Young People

THE BALLAD OF MEGAN MORGAN
by Tim Baker

Clwyd Theatr Cymru (Studio 2) To 27 June 2003 schools audiences only
Runs 1hr 10min + Question/Answer session
Review: Timothy Ramsden 20 June

Skilful educational Tudor piece that also raises contemporary issues within a strong, well-acted story.With its Flora's War trilogy for young audiences Clwyd Theatr Cymru has already shown it can create education plays that stand alone as theatre. The title play, especially, has become a family audience favourite in the schedules, beyond its initial schools performances.

Scripted by Tim Baker from company-devised material, this new piece goes back to Tudor times. It's set in a forest, the nearby hamlet seen as a distant model in the air. Alongside the image of an England still largely rural, the distant homes suggest wider travels: news of those exotic commodities potatoes and tobacco comes with speculation the earth may not be flat. Science and discovery encroach the tangled forest of the medieval mind.

The play explains the link between social order and superstition in the story of old Megan, taken for a witch. Set against this is developing love between shy young strangers, both having to adopt roles to express their feelings Sarah as a boy, Sam; William as his fictional twin brother Thomas. Their comic embarrassment connects with the surrounding witch-hunt, as William, who's joined the attack on Megan, has to examine his behaviour when he faces Sarah.

If the piece cheats, it's in Sarah/Sam. She's a stranger to the village (having left her own owing to plague), but she'd hardly be so independent of the age's mindset as she is here.

Still, the piece works a treat it'll surely be seen again. And again, most likely. This strong cast in no way plays down to young audiences. One of the play's strengths is the way it trusts young people's responses: the key moment of Megan's rejection by former friends is expressed through silence and stance. It grips more strongly than over-exposition.

An accompanying workshop examines how theatre can use sound and image to create its impact. The soundscapes I saw key stage 2 pupils from Wrexham's Wat Dyke Primary recording (inspired by Brueghel scenes), their attention during the show, and keen interest afterwards concern over Megan's treatment, particularly how sympathetic William could join in, and understanding of the time-travel prologue and epilogue indicate this Ballad's well in tune with its audiences.

Megan: Lynn Hunter
Sarah: Michelle Luther
William: Huw Rhys
Peter: Craig Rogan

Director: Tim Baker
Designer: Totie Driver
Lighting/Sound: Kevin Heyes

2003-06-23 00:44:21