Light the Blue
YOUNGPEOPLELEADTHEWAYFORWARDS
“I HOPE TO BE ABLE TO INSPIRE OTHER PEOPLE”
The next double bill focused on rehearsed readings and Raymond Wilson’s Pigeon Wings kicked things off with an interpretation of what would have happened following the Greek myth of Icarus. Wilson and Fraser Scott made the most of the space and provided a
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ight the Blue kicked off with a fantastic day that celebrated creative innovation in the shape of Emerge” The goal was to give artists the chance to burst onto the scene and present whatever they’ve been working on no matter what stage of completion it is at and every performer took their chance and ran with it.
Between showcases, you could spend some time in the Coda Cafe engaging with the performers or walk the halls of the historic music hall and check out the art on display by the Grampian Hospitals Art Trust. One event that drew a large crowd was led by the wonderful Fibi Cowley whose playful puppetry performance of “A Dispute with a Butterfly” told a beautiful interactive story about nature that tackled themes of legacy and family
The event commenced with Citymoves Dance Agency’s Fusion bringing together a familyfriendly interactive piece that had everyone up and moving with them and left the audience with a smile on their face.
Toonspeak Youth Company stepped up as the next part of the double bill and presented a powerful yet hilarious look into growing up in Glasgow. “Open Hoose” tackled some issues like class inequalities, body dysmorphia, gender and crime with a wit that tackled these talking points without downplaying them in the slightest The cast was small with only six performers but all of them had the charisma that spoke volumes of their talents
Photo Credit: James Murison Photography
Photo Credit: James Murison Photography
Stellar performance that had you hooked on every word. They brought so much grit and passion to this performance you forgot that they were just standing behind two stands on an empty stage.
“Standing Free!” left everyone in stitches thanks to the ensemble’s chemistry and understanding of Scottish football. This deep dive into the casual culture in 1980s Aberdeen managed to transition from a hilarious 4th wall-breaking comedy to a gritty and dark tale of violence and broken relationships that left everyone’s jaws on the floor
The cast was small but played a range of characters each and you could only be amazed by the range that these performers had and shifted seamlessly between them without a costume change
Ciaran Drysder, the show’s lead and creator reflected on this year's festival, Aberdeen arts and culture scene and what it means to him:
“I managed to catch Light the Blue last year at the Emerge event and I thought it was really inspiring I am really happy I have been able to get involved with it this year and I hope to be able to inspire other people as well. Aberdeen.
The city has a lot going on in general but I really hope that the Light the Blue festival and the emerge event can get people in Aberdeen seriously thinking about the arts on an everyday basis ”
After being wowed by the quality of these four performances, the anticipation for the final double bill was through the roof and the two solo shows did not disappoint Alex Tait brought a hilarious yet informative take on Scottish history through catchy songs and sprinkled in moments of audience interaction and references to Braveheart
After a toe-tapping hoot with Alex, we were brought to another historical period with Lucy Beth’s “My Name is Isabelle” which gave a harrowing interpretation of a famous Bothy Ballad from one of the character’s point of view. The sheer emotion and clever use of Doric sold this show to the crowd and Lucy received her well-deserved plaudits for bringing this wonderful solo show to Light the Blue.
When the lights went up and the shows were over, the crowd was stunned by the power these performances had A drinks reception was held immediately after to celebrate this truly magnificent display of artistic might As the curtain lowered and the glasses were raised, it became apparent that Light the Blue has allowed the public to take comfort in the fact that the future of Aberdeen’s arts and culture scene was in safe hands.
In an ever-changing world, there has always been one constant: performance. Aberdeen is lucky in having two constants: performance and the Light the Blue festival that can give young artists a stage that was not there before the curation of this festival. There is no better sensation than performing for an audience and Light the Blue has and always will strive to give that feeling to as many creative hopefuls as they can.
Photo Credit: James Murison Photography
Photo Credit: James Murison Photography
PECHAKUCHA: SPARKING IDEATIONTHROUGH INNOVATION
Presenting new ideas can be daunting What if I get a mental block while talking? What if I forget a crucial detail? What if no one likes my idea?
Now try and process that while on the clock PechaKucha is a new and strict form of presenting and holds the presenter to an unbreakable and firm 20 seconds per PowerPoint slide On top of that, you only get 20 slides That is 6 minutes and 40 seconds
PechaKucha translates from Japanese to ‘Chit Chat’ or ‘sound of conversation’ and Light the Blue’s “Join the Dots: PechaKucha Evening” did exactly that: It sparked conversation
Doors opened at 5 o’clock to presenters and eager members of the public, hoping to hear what is to come from Aberdeen’s most beloved institutions. The lights lowered and the projector flickered to life and an evening of innovation had begun
Light the Blue was up first and the good the festival does for the youth of Aberdeen was discussed From events like Snappy Operas to Playgrounds to Family Arts Day were mentioned while pictures of smiling children dancing around at said events flashed up on the screen.
It is a rarity that you can do such good things for a city and get the chance to highlight these to an eager crowd and Light the Blue’s PechaKucha night gave the organisation to give a run down on what has already happened and what is to come
As soon as the presentation started, it ended in rapturous applause after a fascinating insight into all the good the festival does for the city and beyond Anticipation for the festival was at an all-time high amongst those in attendance and there were still another five presentations to go
City Moves Dance Agency spoke on their involvement in the festival and had testimonies from previous dancers on how Citymoves and the art of dance changed their lives for the better
We also heard from Ten Feet Tall Theatre and their involvement with schools around the city where their goal was to get more children involved in the arts and cultures scene in Aberdeen by having them create their own plays
SHMU radio attended as well and told three testimonies from children who have come through their youth programmes and had their lives turned around and are now heavily involved in either SHMU or other media outlets.
Adam from SHMU highlighted his excitement to be presenting in the style of PechaKucha and gave plaudits to Light the Blue for their work to bring nights like these together:
“This is the first time I have ever presented a PechaKucha presentation and it is very snappy I think it’s really valuable for those of us in different parts of the creative sector to be up to date with what we are all up to and gives us the opportunity to learn about different models of working and see potential opportunities for collaboration for the future
We are very excited to be a part of the Light the Blue festival. We have further involvement during Takeover with both radio and filmed content. We see Light the Blue as a key part of the culture calendar for Aberdeen It is a lot of fun and a fantastic opportunity for young people.”
As the night rolled on we heard from Openspaces, Creative Learning and Doric Books All three have exciting plans in place to improve the lives of children and young artists across the Northeast and as the night came to a close Everyone in attendance left more optimistic about the future of the creative industries in Aberdeen more than ever
SNAPPYOPERASISABELTEROFASHOW
hroughout the music hall on the first Thursday of Light the Blue, you would hear over 100 kids rushing around the halls giggling gleefully
There is a reason for their welcome arrival Thursday was Snappy Operas day. Over five sessions, these talented youngsters had written, designed costumes and sets for and rehearsed their own opera pieces. It was now time to bring it to the historic Music Hall auditorium
As the silence of the Music Hall was broken, a feeling of anticipation filled the air They arrived in the morning and made their way onto the stage mouths gaping at the sheer size of this grand venue in the heart of Aberdeen.
As each group prepared and rehearsed their shows, everyone in attendance started to realise this group was entirely dedicated to ensuring this would be a complete success Stories of adventure, friendship and unity crossed the stage and you could only stop and smile as they belted and hollered their own lyrics with gusto
Rosie Mackey, one of the programme leaders, expressed her delight to be involved and highlighted what Snappy Operas is all about:
“Working with Snappy Operas and Light the Blue is always an absolute joy - I love supporting the artists and schools to deliver what they need in order for the children to have a fantastic experience The work behind the scenes is all entirely worth it to see the children's reactions walking into the Music Hall for the first time, and seeing how proud their friends, families and teachers are when they're up on stage ”
“The unbridled joy is something to behold the kids give it a lot of welly Belting out their lines and running around the stage
The audience, primarily consisting of the parents of said bairns, erupts in applause every time they see their wee ones on the Music Hall stage
The show was a fantastic insight into how transformative the performing arts can be for young people Although I’m sure they’re all wracked with nerves before they take to the stage I hope the confidence boost they’ll get from a huge round of clapping from a packed Music Hall will stay with them for a long time ”
As the bows were done and the lights came up, Light the Blue had now firmly cemented itself as a harbinger of childhood wonder and creativity. Light the Blue has always strived to give a chance for those young creatives to take leaps they would have never taken without that little nudge from the team behind Snappy Operas and the festival itself
That look of wonder as those young performers entered the auditorium in the Music Hall for the first time is what this festival wants Light the Blue has and always will try to give more children like the cast of Snappy Operas that feeling of awe over and over again If they can do that then there is no doubt that Light the Blue’s mission has been completed.
““THE THE UNBRIDLED UNBRIDLED JOY IS JOY IS SOMETHING TO SOMETHING TO BEHOLD” BEHOLD”
Photo Credit: Richard
DANCINGFORYOURLIFE:
THEINSPIRINGSTORYBEHINDENCORE’SDANCINGDADS
Encore Danscentre took to the HMT stage as a part of Light the Blue, and they got the dads involved with the troupe of dancing dads!
The group has decided to donate all the funds raised to the NHS Grampian Maxillofacial Unit at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary
This ward holds special significance for one of their troupe members, Prem Reynolds In May 2024, Prem received the devastating diagnosis of head and neck cancer following a biopsy of a small ulcer on his tongue that wouldn’t heal Head and neck cancer is one of the fastest-growing cancers in the UK, with a significant increase over the past 20 years
This rise is particularly concerning among younger individuals and non-smokers, suggesting a shift from traditional risk factors like tobacco and alcohol This alarming trend underscores the urgent need for increased awareness and further research
Following diagnosis, Prem underwent a 12-hour surgery that involved removing the tumour, reconstruction, with a neck dissection to remove lymph nodes. Unfortunately, it was discovered that the cancer had spread, necessitating a 7-week chemotherapy regimen and daily radiotherapy during the summer
Prem, who received exemplary treatment at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary and continues to do so, wanted to express gratitude to the staff. In particular, he wanted to do something for the Maxillofacial Unit at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary After discussing the idea with the team, they suggested creating a quiet and safe space for diagnosis and treatment plans As a patient, Prem felt this was a brilliant development for any families facing i il h ll
Credit: Danscentre
Danscentre parent since 2005 when his eldest He’s now a seasoned dad’s dance performer, in four previous shows However, this will be ce, as his daughter is planning to leave for ared:
f the Danscentre ‘family’ for almost 20 years ave attended weekly classes at the Danscentre uilding Karen, Michelle, and all the staff at their students with an exceptional dance classes as well as offering a wealth of e experienced firsthand as a family.
ve had the privilege of watching our children venues in Aberdeen, including HMT, Music Arts Centre, and Beach Ballroom, as well as ces at the Royal Albert Hall in London This articularly special for me because it’s my last he efforts raised for a charity that holds great even more meaningful ”
Light the Blue has given these performers a chance to do some good for not just the arts and cultures scene in Aberdeen but for much greater causes. The arts can be a powerful thing when it is used for good and through Light the Blue, it has allowed this wonderful institution to make other lives better.
That’s what the arts is all about. Yes, it is to tell incredible stories through a variety of ways but it is all about making a difference whether that is through donations or through changing lives through speech or movement on the stage It is clear to see that Light the Blue has played its part in contributing to both
The art of dance has been a pivotal means of entertainment for centuries. From religious services to weddings, dance has been pivotal to culture as a whole.
One dance group in Aberdeen is looking to highlight the importance of this ancient form of entertainment through a performance that will explore various means of movement on the daunting spectacle that is the HMT stage. Danscentre brings Encore to a jam-packed audience who are there to experience the joys of dance while celebrating the youth of the creative arts as they take an opportunity to perform on such an iconic stage and run with it
From tap to contemporary to ballet, Danscentre has gone out of its way to ensure no stone is left unturned in the attempt to represent the arts across history With a poise and grace that is nearly unmatched, this talented group of performers made the most of their moment and kept composure throughout their pieces and told a series of wonderful stories.
Claudia Reynolds; the daughter of Prem, is a dancer in her last year with Danscentre before going to University and she spoke about her excitement to be involved and just why this show is so important to not just her but her family as well
“The dads dance this year is raising money for the Maxillofacial Unit in Aberdeen and this cause is so special to me because my dad had cancer and he got treated there So it has a special place in our hearts ”
Through the art of dance, Claudia has found comfort and a pillar of support in the form of Danscentre When the Reynolds family was at a low point, their dance family stepped up and are now dancing to help save lives
While the Dancing Dads are one of the major talking points of the performance, Claudia was involved in her own showcase alongside her peers as they took to the famous HMT stage and took the audience on an adventure through the history of dance.
“The show has got everything It has emotional pieces, it has got classical pieces. Act one has a story about Mary Poppins which is quite nice. The general vibe is brilliant My favourite style of dance is contemporary; it is a great way to show emotion through dance.
Light the Blue is great because it gives you opportunities to express yourself and it is a great way for the kids and youth of Aberdeen to express themselves through art.”
From humorous tales to sequences with dozens of dancers, Encore captures exactly what has made dance a staple in world culture and therefore Light the Blue can and has captured just how important the arts and culture scene is to the Northeast
Danscentre and Light the Blue have managed to raise the bar with a group of talented youngsters performing not just for their own gratification but to make a difference to wider society through various charitable ventures.
Dancing has and always will be a key part of our society but Claudia, Prim and the rest of the Danscentre family have shown it can mean just a little bit more
DANSCENTRE’SENCORE: JOURNEYTHROUGHDANCE ONESTEPATATIME
Credit: Danscentre
BInstagram: Key North Official
ased in the Lemon Tree, a band decided to put their name in lights and seal their place in the ever-growing Aberdeen band scene as a part of Light the Blue
Key North has been compared to some massive names The Stone Roses. The Cure. The Police. Comparisons to titans of the industry can come with a lot of pressure but this group of Aberdonian musicians have embraced those similarities wholeheartedly with laughs and smiles all round:
“Our music is a little bit of all of those It also has a bit of 90s Psych, Brian Jonestown. We would also love to be the Police!”
Key North is a five-piece rock band that oozes with charisma and surety over their talent They have been shaped by the North East’s strong but difficult-to-break-out of band scene and have always looked to be the best
With Alex Kimmie on lead vocals, Keiran Macpherson and Hal Willows Ritchie on electric guitars, Joel Morrison on bass guitar and Zak Robertson on drums; this band is fairly fresh on the scene with their debut single “Granite Angels” hitting streaming October last year and they have not looked back.
Their next single, “Fortune Teller” was played live at the Lemon Tree as a part of their performance and it went down swimmingly with those in attendance
Cracking jokes throughout the evening and enjoying themselves as much as the audience was it is clear this band has a bright future ahead of them
KEYNORTH: ABERDEEN’SBAND SCENEHASBEENPUT ONTHEMAP
Guitarist Hal Willow Ritchie already has some history with the Lemon Tree, Light the Blue and Aberdeen Performing Arts as a whole Hal works front of house at the APA venues and has watched many other bands take to the stage while holding onto the longing to headline a show himself along with his friends
And then along came Light the Blue
Light the Blue has and always will aim to elevate up-and-coming talents and Key North has become the perfect case study of this Hal particularly held an excitement to represent his workplace, the Light the Blue festival, and also himself and his band:
“It is nice to be a part of the culture in Aberdeen and this (Light the Blue) is a good Segway into venues like the Lemon Tree, I definitely think so I do front of house for APA so it is really nice seeing all the stuff that is coming through and giving people the opportunity to get up on stage and have good fun
I think as opposed to Glasgow and Edinburgh, Aberdeen’s band scene is on the rise There are not as many venues here so there are not as many bands but hopefully in the future other bands can be like us! There are definitely a lot of good bands out there and a lot of great stuff happening in Aberdeen so hopefully by the end of the festival and the end of the summer it will get better It is nice to see people going out to shows, particularly ours. ”
As the festival rolled along, the eyes of Aberdonian’s started opening to the possibilities that were put out there by Light the Blue Venues are filled and stories are made through these festivities so it is crucial for the city to always remember that this city is full of gifted talents and it is imperative that we give them the platform to grow themselves and their industry simultaneously
THE BLUE
““ITISNICETOSEE
ITISNICETOSEE PPEOPLEGOINGOUTTO EOPLEGOINGOUTTO SSHOWS, HOWS, PPARTICULARLYOURS” ARTICULARLYOURS”
“CREATIVITYISTHECATALYSTFORCHANGE”
BEHINDTENFEETTALL’SPRODUCTION‘EVERYBRILLIANTTHING’
When crafting a script, it can be very difficult to walk away appreciating the night air, their bedtime routine or their pre-theatre meal.
“Every Brilliant Thing” written by Duncan Macmillan will make you notice all the small things in your life that you would normally take for granted and gives you a newly found appreciation for simply being alive
Leading actor Cameron Mowat and director Mark Woods sat down and discussed everything from the show’s themes to its explosion of popularity in the last decade to their enthusiasm to bring this piece to Aberdeen and Light the Blue:
Q: To start, what is the show about and what are the key themes?
Mark: The play “Every Brilliant Thing” is about life I know it’s a very generic term but it is about everything; all the small moments in life Celebrations, connections and small moments with strangers, the journey from childhood into young adulthood and beyond It is set in the round so the audience becomes part of the journey of the play. They become a part of a list of every brilliant thing
Q: The show has exploded in popularity in the last ten years, from shows in Singapore to an Off-Broadway run, what are your thoughts on following in those footsteps and bringing this show to Aberdeen?
Cameron: We want to do it justice just as those original productions have done but for us at Ten Feet Tall to bring theatre like this to Aberdeen is a special thing because I don’t know if the production would have made it up here. Normally this type of show sits on the central belt We are really proud to bring this story and this production to a Northeast audience and to Light the Blue
Q: You mentioned Light the Blue there, what are your thoughts surrounding the festival?
Cameron: It’s fantastic for young people to be given the opportunity to get together for a couple of weeks to connect and create and just build connections through their creativity To have such a variety of work and performances and artwork in one big festival for younger people is truly special
Mark: It is something Ten Feet Tall has been involved in since Light the Blue started so as a company we have been involved with Light the Blue for a good while now Since inception, I believe. It has taken different guises in the form of workshops, we have created short films, we have directed some scenes, just a bit of everything.
I think the festival itself is brilliant as it lends itself to all forms of art. From opera singing to break-dancing to physical theatre I think for young people in Aberdeen and the Northeast to experience a bit of everything in two weeks is great It is a brilliant opportunity to explore and create and grow as a person.
Q: How do the values of Light the Blue line themselves up with Ten Feet Tall Theatre?
Cameron: It’s all about promoting engagement and creativity. That is what Ten Feet Tall is all about. It is what Light the Blue is all about and we can’t have enough of that in the city and the region where there are opportunities for young people to engage with the arts in some kind of way
Q: Aberdeen is looking to grow on an international level and find its identity on the world’s stage Do you see the arts scene in Aberdeen fitting into this image?
Mark: I think arts & culture can go anywhere and that’s quite generic but I think it is true. The support, the wants and the needs are always there and when you have those three things, it allows it to go in any direction. Obviously, it can come down to funding a lot of the time but I think as a city, our heritage being rich and colourful, going from land to sea to air, we have the mountains, we have a bit of everything We want Aberdeen to be a hub for creatives Ten Feet Tall has always seen Aberdeen as a creative hub and it is all about helping to grow that in any way shape or form
Cameron: With this current generation, there is a lot of change and uncertainty and what you consistently see through each generation is that creativity is a catalyst for change Culture is important to any region, to any group of people, to any age or generation and it is all about creating and connecting with others It is also about finding a way to express yourself and there is and always will be a need for that wherever you are
OLIVE&ANYA’SITCH: AUNIQUE24HOURS CREATESSOMETHING SPECIAL
Twenty four hours is a long time A lot of tasks can be completed in that time frame. Can you create a six-act show that holds up for a paying audience?
Olive and Anya, a local double act looked to do just that, and long story short, it was a roaring success
On Thursday night, a group of creatives walked into the Lemon Tree with rough ideas on the brain. There were some ice-breaker games and some brief introductions but the clock was ticking and ideas had to become reality quickly.
The theme of the challenge was “Into the Unknown” and you have to acknowledge it is hard to differentiate the theme from these performers’ reality. After a number of brainstorming sessions, you could hear the cogs turning as ideas on how to improve and showcase their craft came to fruition
After developing some general ideas, the performers were sent home to craft the outlines for their projects With time trickling away, the pressure was beginning to mount Night turned to day and every performer looked at the monumental task that was ahead of them but there was no fear There was no concern On their way back to the Lemon
Tree to rehearse further A feeling of excitement filled the room as each performer walked in feeling more positive than the night before after conjuring up ways to make their show work
The group shared their ideas, received feedback and guidance on how they could make their plans a reality and then they were on their own
Time trickled away and the performances started to come together Olive and Anya moved between rehearsal spaces and offered guidance as the day progressed
With an hour to go, the shows were ready and for the first time in 23 hours, these performers could breathe. Their hard work has brought them to this moment and they were ready to showcase their quick response to the challenge.
Jordan Blackwood, creative producer for the Light the Blue festival was in attendance and expressed his delight to see such a unique showcase of talent in Aberdeen:
The diversity of responses that can come from a shared stimulus and approach was truly special It was really lovely to see up-andcoming artists be given a platform at Light the Blue. This was something that felt different from the core programme; I was delighted with how alternative it was!
You need a certain type of talent to be able to adapt and improvise as a performer like this group did 24 hours in reality is no time to come up with and devise a scratch night that can stand on its own
Light the Blue has and always will strive to showcase artists who have been working on their projects for months and sometimes years but it is always a pleasure to see just how talented performers can be when they are face to face with the greatest foe of all in entertainment: Time.
Photo Credit: James Murison Photography Photo Credit: James Murison Photography
PA has always been about family. Telling stories of family or providing entertainment for them. Light the Blue held a particularly special family day that is all about celebrating young creatives.
Dozens of families streamed into Union Terrace Gardens and anticipation was quickly building The day kicked off with a bang with Pop! Vince Virr Dance Company bringing a fun and interactive routine to the gardens which certainly set the mood for the afternoon
People continued to stream in from the streets below, the sounds, smells and colour creating an atmosphere that was quickly becoming too vibrant to ignore by the people of Aberdeen. As the garden started to fill and the crowd around the stage grew, everyone in attendance knew this day would be a special one.
In Union Terrace Gardens, you could expect performances from a range of young talents on the main stage that will be sure to leave you optimistic for the future of the arts in the Northeast
If you fancied a kick about while taking in the festivities, StreetSport Denis Law Legacy Trust with them a football panna ready to go alongside the chance to play basketball and pickleball.
Ball sports not your thing? You could have learned how to navigate freely with Monkey Business Parkour Limitless Movement Coaching at the UTG climbing frame
The Family Arts Day so far was an instant success. While the only concern was the weather, the mood was pleasant and the experience was even better.
LIGHT
p p y p g and interactive sounds and songs bringing you optimum comfort
After a spectacular afternoon of crafts and creativity, Sprog Rock was ready to perform a lively family-friendly gig which would be the grand finale to the festivities: A march around Union Terrace Gardens in an exciting parade of puppets, masks and crafts brought to a close a wonderful day out for any ages.
Walking down the stairs of Union Terrace Gardens at 4 O'clock, you would be greeted with a wall of colour and song. Children were singing along with Sprog Rock waving dragons and jellyfish high in the air, performers were dancing around the gardens as the sun beamed down on this truly wonderful display of creative unity
Family Arts Day is everything that makes Light the Blue such a wonderful part of the Aberdonian cultural calendar. It represents all the values and objectives that were laid out since the festival’s inception several years ago: Fun creative opportunities for the youth of Aberdeen to try new things and take leaps they have never taken before As you looked around Union Terrace Gardens you see examples of this by the dozen
It has become abundantly clear that APA and Light the Blue will always look to create a space for any and all abilities and ages to come and watch what the youth in Aberdeen have in store for the future of the Scottish creative industries. Without festivals like these, there would be a gaping hole in the calendar that would be missing youth creative innovation and a little bit less laughter and fun.
THE BLUE
Photo Credit: James Murison Photography
Photo Credit: Richard Frew Photography & Film
Photo Credit: Richard Frew Photography & Film
“THEUNPLAYEDGAME”ISUNMISSABLE
s you walked into the auditorium of the Music Hall during Light the Blue’s Takeover, you felt like you had walked right into an 80's arcade machine.
The winding maze from “Pac-Man” was sprawled across the floor. An ominous blue light casted shadows across the floor and there was an eery stillness as the audience quietly entered the auditorium.
A small clip started to play, setting the stage for a tale told from the perspective of the ghosts “Pac-Man” has spent its existence trying to evade and eventually destroy Stories told from the perspective of the villain are not new but Aberdeen Performing Arts’ Senior Group’s use of the stage and the floor to tell a contemporary piece about a simple video game and adding Shakespearean levels of conflict and emotion is second to none
As each combatant fell, a stillness befell the auditorium as smoke bellowed across the battlefield as a ghost had the opportunity to kill Pac-Man. In a beautiful twist, Pac-Man’s life is spared as a fragile unity joins enemies into allies As “game over” appeared on the screen above the stage, the audience was left hungry for more
Aberdeen Performing Arts’ theatre groups are important to Light the Blue In 2018, the festival was formed to platform these groups and it is wonderful to see this connection between the institution and the festival remains strong to this day, seven years on.
The lights came up and Pac-Man’s soldiers appeared on the stage, setting the scene perfectly as a serious and brooding tale of revolt in the world of video games
We then got to meet the ghosts who were in the midst of a therapy session as they soothed each other’s concerns and personal dilemmas as they came to the realisation that they are all just numbers in a video game in a delightfully witty yet somewhat morbid scene as they came to grips with their virtual reality and try and make their lives more valuable
We hear monologues building the tension ahead of their seismic conflict and it truly turns this simple story into an epic tale of revolution and bitterness Watching these young performers cladded in boiler suits give heart-breaking accounts of these ghosts’ lives while building individual personalities for their own characters was truly wonderful. You could not help but smile as this talented group used everything they had to turn this show into a success and it worked.
As the festival grows every single year, APA seniors continue to find new ways to wow the crowd and tell stories that will make you laugh and ponder over scenarios that you have never pondered over before.
With many of the performers throughout Takeover and the festival coming through the ranks of Aberdeen Performing Arts’ theatre programmes, you cannot help but admire the steps they have taken to create such a masterfully performed piece of theatre with a unique set and a unique interpretation of one of the most famous video games of all time.
As the performance came to a close, these young superstars bounced around the stage in delight as they come to terms with the fact that they had not just provided a fantastic piece of theatre, but the fact that they have just strengthened the reputation of youth theatre even more
CITYMOVES DANCEAGENCY: TAKINGTHE TOWN
Aberdeen was taken over on the last Saturday of the festivities and one contributor has had a firm hand in the creative process not just during Takeover but the whole festival.
That group is Citymoves Dance Agency. From the moment the festival started at Emerge to its soft closure in Takeover, City Moves has had a driving presence within the festival and has thrown numerous groups into the limelight that Light the Blue has provided for the past fortnight.
At Emerge, Citymoves Dance Agency’s Fusion group turned up to the Big Sky Studio in the Music Hall with a clear objective to start their performance schedule off strong.
“A Wee Dance With Us” invited half a dozen audience members up on stage and got them involved in a delightful story told through dance with lights and props to make this sensory marvel even better The young dancers involved had smiles on their faces and they twisted and jumped through their routine and there was not a single person in the audience without a grin on their face either.
When Fusion came to a halt and the audience began to applaud, they did not make their way to the exits They did not move to the dressing rooms. They came and joined the audience and showed support for the other acts that were contributing to the Emerge event.
The group’s willingness to stay for the remainder of the event highlights the fantastic ethics being taught to these dancers throughout their tutelage. Showings of support for the arts out with their own organisation is a sign of an institution that does not just want to further their own image but to further the profile of the arts and cultures scene in Aberdeen, the Northeast and beyond.
We next saw Fusion at the Family Arts Day. They brought a snippet of their show to Union Terrace Gardens which was met with great approval from onlookers on the grass and from above from the balcony They quickly made their way to His Majesty’s Theatre and smashed it out of the park once more.
We also saw the agency’s “Bring it Boys” who may have been small in numbers but were big in character. During Takeover, we saw the Pulse, Fusion and Horizon groups who had everyone in attendance tapping their feet. These groups also remained for the duration of the event and you have to give plaudits to the teachers who instilled this support within the groups
The woman behind this feat is Lynn Shaw who highlighted her support for the festival at this year’s PechaKucha night
“In terms of our involvement with Light the Blue, we would love to do more Light the Blue gives the groups wonderful opportunities to perform in different locations which is great Last year, one of our young boys groups performed in Union Terrace Gardens and it gave them a lovely platform ”
Without wonderful contributors like Lynn, Light the Blue could not function The arts in Aberdeen is a powerful thing but without showings of unity and commitment from groups like Citymoves, the industry would crumble to dust
As Citymoves continue to shape the face of Aberdonian dance, Light the Blue will always strive to platform these groups to give young performers the chance to show off what they have been working on Chances like these can be scarce but with Light the Blue, young people can grasp at chances they have never had before
Photo Credit: Newsline Media
THEBIGGIGISABIGTRIUMPH
soft buzz filled the auditorium in the music hall on a Sunday afternoon The building was shut to the public and only a handful of people were wandering the halls
The noise was not meek and it was not reserved It was the sound of 150 performers tuning their instruments as they prepared for a very special performance, one that would cement them as up-andcoming talents within the Aberdeen music scene.
That performance was the Big Gig that would be rounding out Light the Blue’s two-week celebration of the arts in Aberdeen Children of all ages swarmed the auditorium in the morning and hastily made their way to the stage to prepare
The show had a lot of surprises From vocals accompanying an Irish jig to a young boy rapping over the top of a grand orchestral piece, the Big Gig through everything they could to showcase the brightest and best of Aberdeen’s blooming concert band scene
The Northeast has always been a hotspot to develop your craft and Light the Blue has strived to showcase these young talents as they look to make their name break through the noise and all 150 performers did just that.
A nearly sold-out Music Hall took their seats and waited in anticipation for the first act to begin As each group took to the stage, the feeling of unbridled joy filled the grand hall and the heart of Aberdeen’s concert band scene was beating vibrantly with the sound of sweeping chords and spirited rhythms.
This year’s Big Gig has never felt more inclusive The groups have travelled from across the Northeast. The groups, SC&T Youth, Big Noise Torry, Aberdeen City Music Service, Aberdeenshire Music Service and Sound’s Get Creative Ensemble had the audience on the edge of their seat waiting for every chord eagerly
As the last note filled the air, a tremendous wave of joy took the sound of music’s place Raucous applause reverberated against the walls as each group took their bows and smiled proudly at what they had just accomplished
These groups have not only provided a night of orchestral entertainment but have established their groups as leaders of an already competitive musical landscape
Behind the Big Gig is SCAT Youth who were responsible for uniting these groups Leader, Laura Harrington could not hide her excitement to be involved with such a project and spoke of her fondness for the collaboration between the Big Gig and Light the Blue:
“This was exactly what we wanted This collaborative work across the city is perfect. It’s exciting. It’s dynamic. It is exactly what we want in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire Just like Light the Blue, It is all about collaboration, all about furthering the arts in Aberdeen
I think that is an absolute focal point Light the Blue is a festival by young people for young people and what more could you want than 150 kids coming together to perform for us?”
Just like that, Light the Blue was over for another year The sun had set on a masterful collaboration between dozens of musical and theatrical groups from all across Aberdeen and the city had been left with a lasting imprint on its cultural scene and has been left to ponder on just how important the arts are to Aberdeen’s identity as a whole
While there may not be any performances for a full year, the songs and stories will echo around the streets of Aberdeen till the next one
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s the chairs clatter back to their upright position, the auditorium clears and the lights return to normal, you are left standing wondering where the time went
Your mind starts to race, palms sweaty and a knot in your stomach appears as doubt sweeps your mind; ‘did I do enough?’ Many contributors from Light the Blue will have been thinking this as their time on the stage came to an end. The raucous applause, the backpats and handshakes as the audience shuffles out the doors say so on a surface level but will the contribution make an impact?
Light the Blue says you absolutely did
The festival is a staple in the Aberdeen calendar at this point There is nothing that matches it With many festivals previously attempting to boost Aberdeen’s arts and culture scene, there was always a challenge to capture the hearts and minds of the Northeast
Light the Blue started as a means to showcase the APA youth theatre groups’ final projects and was contained mostly within the Lemon Tree for a limited audience As the years rolled on, the festival decided to step up and take the form of an arts and culture-defining phenomenon
Aberdeen needed a true representation of the emerging talent from all across the Northeast and Light the Blue was there to embody everything that makes this city so special to begin with. Laughter was heard and messages were spread during this two-week spectacle and Light the Blue is proud of what it has done to share the most simple yet beautiful parts of being alive
The best example of the festival’s work came in the shape of Family Arts Day As you walk into Union Terrace Gardens, a wall of colour and noise hits the senses and you have no choice but to smile at the sight of this display of artistic craftsmanship
LIGHT
You continue down the steps and see every possible type of character standing around Children dance frenziedly to the sound of ‘Sprog Rock’ who are dressed head to toe in the brightest of outfits Performers laugh and wrap their arms around each other in a showing of unity and relief after the completion of their own shows as they give each other credit for taking the most daring leap of all within the creative industries: performing
Members of the public, old and young stand and marvel at the sight of the next generation’s wonderful ability to turn their imagination into reality and tell stories through various means whether that is dance, song or art pieces.
Many people stood above the gardens upon the balcony and looked upon this spectacle and I am sure that these people stopped and smiled as they realised the creative industry is in safe hands.
This is what it is all about Unity through creativity In the most difficult of times, people have come together to celebrate art through strife and Light the Blue can be a leader in these celebrations Many people you will walk past on the street every day will always have Light the Blue in their hearts and use their experiences as they walk on into the next stages of their lives whether it is as a creative or not.
Through Light the Blue, you will learn how to adapt to new situations, fashion a sense of self-responsibility and develop social skills beyond your wildest imagination; all skills transferable to a world outside the creative industry. Light the Blue does not just give you the spark to enjoy different forms of entertainment
It lights the blue of the firework that is the rest of your life.
Photo Credit: James Murison Photography
