The British Council in Georgia, the Department for International Development, the Georgian Independent Filmmakers Association and the Network for Social Change in London, recently presented an exciting theatre project to Georgian audiences. Choice, a Forum Theatre production, had its premiere on September 4 at the Basement theatre. About 500 people attended. The play was written specially for the performances and was based on a situation that every Georgian can identify with in some way - political corruption, bribery and the challenges that face people in trying to lead an honest, ordinary life in the face of grinding poverty and lack of employment opportunities. The actors were all Georgian students who produced some very professional dramatic effects. The play was due to last about 1 hour and was then to be followed by audience participation and interaction. However the theatre was plunged into the blackest, hottest darkness after about 45 minutes. After a while two of the audience produced torches - along with candles and lighters and matches, which were flicked on and off as the actors continued, very much to their credit. At the end, the actors re-ran bits of the play where the characters had made decisions that further implicated them in corruption and the audience was invited to join in and suggest other ways, other choices. At one point a member of the audience threw money back in the 'corrupt politician's' face saying - SO MUCH FOR YOUR ELECTION PROMISES! TURN ON OUR ELECTRICITY! Huge cheers from the audience. It was real life. |
