A Play For Torry
The Project
A Play For Torry is a co-created theatre that celebrates the resistance of the land and people of Torry: From the fish, to the oil, RAAC and the wind.
Process
Our process has been collaborative with community of Torry. The script was developed through verbatim interviews, a series of workshops with young people, adults, and archival research.
MEETINGS
Community meetings, consulations, court hearings have fed into the script development
INTERVIEWS
interviews 1-2-1 with more than a dozen local residents
WORKSHOPS
JA series of local creative workshops. 2025 Pic: workshop with Big Noise Torry developing a soundtrack and creative ideas Ben Vardi and Jackill.
MUSIC
the live score combines traditional music and orignal contemporary compositions, weaving together the past, present and future. picture: Sandy Tweddle.
VERBATIM
using real words, performed by Torry community actors and , supported by professional actors.
FORMS
THE ENSAMBLE CHORUS
The play is performed by a core ensemble, multiroling, driving the story and elevating the verbatim narratives through chorus.
Community Acting Workshop March 2025.
Community Script Read
On a rainy afternoon in March 2025, a cast of 11 performers read the full first draft script, to a local audience. 6 performers read their own words. Over a delicious lunch we invited feedback from the audience.
Community Script Read March 2025, The White Cockade, Torry. Photo: Dani Ellis
“The verbatim voices moved me. Hearing all the injustices present and historical bundle together was very impactful.”
AUDIENCE MEMBER
“I was blown away by the finished version at the read through..The writing deserves a special mention, as it encapsulated so much of the “Torry experience” and wove together so many aspects in an authentic but fun and informative way. ”
LYNNE, PERFORMER, RESIDNT
Feedback
“LOVED the verbatim LOVED the repetition LOVED the songs and chorus”
AUDIENCE MEMBER
Community Script Read Photos: Natalie Hood 2025
“Paying careful attention to the process and trusting my instincts pays off. Having a slow run in time through september- January of meeting/ planning/ building relationships, was really valuable to the trust build with community and creatives. People in Torry were felt very involved and bought into the 6 weeks workshop delivery and 4 week period creative development”
LEAD ARTIST
“Very powerful, the variety of characters and voices is lovely”
SCRIPT FILM
A Play for Torry, full length script, written by Emer Morris, Shane Strachan, Mae Diansangu.
Creation
Film of readthrough, Hazel Falk and SMHU, coming soon WATCH FILM SNEAKPEAK
ARTWORK
Rizo Print posters, AP4T, design: Will Herrmann, Peacock Arts
extract from this Zine by young people from workshops Jan 2025.
LOOK AT THE ZINE
BIG NOISE TRACKS
LISTEN TO BIG NOISE TRACK
CREDITS
Words by The People of Torry
The Script, created by Mae Diansangu, Shane Strachan and Emer Morris.
Music: Ben Vardi, Jackill, Big Noise Torry, Mae Diansangu & sany Tweddle.
Dramaturgy Emer Morris and Stewart Aitkin.
Executive Producers Scott Herret & Emer Morris,
Community Producer:Nattie Campbell Scott Howells
Graphic design: Will Herman
Photography: Natalie Hood & Dani Ellis
Film: Hazel Falk and Station House Media Unit.
Food: Shanu Gupta.
To Production
We are now seeking funding to develop the project to production in 2025.
Supported by
