WFTS Alumni presents a rehearsed reading of his new work during the Greater Manchester Fringe Festiv

Ben Felix, one of the participants in the WriteForTheStage Intro and Advanced courses from 2013 has a rehearsed reading of his new piece of writing, Playing Dead, at the Greater Manchester Fringe Festival. It runs on 21st July, 7.30pm at Chapter One Books. It costs £2.50. Book here.

Follow @PlayingDeadPlay. Check out their blog.

This is from Ben regarding the production -

The conception and birth of “Playing Dead” hasn’t been an easy one. The concept arose over a year ago as Hayley and Dawn spoke about a lack of opportunities for disabled actors, especially for non-disabled roles. And at the same time, a huge rise in suicide rates was occurring directly linked to government cuts and, in particular, work capability assessments (see the article here). A report from the Department for Work and Pensions found almost 3000 deaths between 2011-2014, which is 90 people per month (or 3 people per day). The figures have likely increased since 2014. So the idea for a play exploring this scandel, in a way that enabled disabled actors to play non-disabled theatre roles, was born. Ben was brought on as writer, and Kelly made up the final cast member.

The four of us discussed a story that would explore the issues head on, but as part of a great theatre experience. We wanted to make a political play that would show the audience the issues without preaching or patronising them. We also wanted to explore hidden disabilities (such as lupus, ME, or fibromyalgia), because work capability assessments are especially unforgiving in these cases that often leave people debilitated for long periods of time, although these effects aren’t visible.

The creation of the script was a true collaboration, with numerous lengthy meetings over a drink discussing what should be included in the script, and how we should approach the issues. A first draft was born titled, “Blue Skies and Brown Envelopes,” referencing the dreaded arrival of brown envelopes through your front door. We started to connect with charities and spread the word, but sadly, our other work commitments got in the way. The next time we spoke, time had passed, and we felt the script wasn’t strong and punchy enough; these were important issues, and we needed to make an impact. A second untitled draft was created, with the working title, “Criminal.” We felt happier with the script and how the issues were being focused on.

Then tragedy struck us. Sadly our friend Dawn died on 15th February. After we’d recovered from this shock (she was too young), we continued with new determination to get the project off the ground. Another reappraisal of the script led Ben to re-write the script from scratch (again!), finally with a title that felt right: “Playing Dead.” The play’s aim is a call to arms, because we can’t roll over and play dead when our government systematically tries to wipe out a whole group of people, we must act.

Our first performance at GM Fringe on 21st July will be a rehearsed reading (it will be fully performed, only with script in hand), dedicated to the memory of Dawn Hendry. We’re going to be seeking input and advice from our audience to make the script bigger and better, with plans to look towards funding for taking the project further. Come along and support us!