Director’s Preview: Orca

I stumbled across this play during the 2020 lockdown, and was instantly drawn in – it addresses the consistent need to help those who have been oppressed, and the struggle of victims of sexual assault to come forward and find the justice they deserve. It’s about young women hundreds of years ago, young women today, and young women of the future who, unfortunately, will have horrific experiences like this and be met with ignorance and neglect.

It’s so important to remind everyone that these things are happening all around us constantly, and without our bravery and willingness to listen, nothing is likely to improve anytime soon.

As I mentioned, there are some quite difficult themes which need to be talked about, such as assault, victim blaming and gaslighting, and the overwhelming power of the patriarchy; but there’s also a strong sense of family connection and love which stops the characters from falling apart completely.

Throughout rehearsals, we’ve compared the play to the actions in many religious cults worldwide, and films following similar topics to trying to break free from a contagious cycle with women being influenced at the centre of the story, such as The Wickerman and Midsommar.

We have the Finn family, consisting of Maggie (aged 18, Amalie Macnaughtan), Fan (14, Kezia Cotterell), and their father, Joshua (Hywel Roberts), the village carpenter. Maggie is described as being a “storm cloud”, restless and spiteful to the backwards village she’s stuck in. Fan is still very entranced by the village and its people, with a rampant imagination, often finding herself as the narrator for the play through wild, playful stories.

Joshua is a frightened man, unsure of himself and unwilling to stand up and fight against the people, particularly the intimidating village patriarch, only known in the play as The Father (Ian Falconer). Gretchen (16, Paige Leavy) is a fearful girl, drowning in past trauma – born on the island, she’s too scared to stay there, whilst also being too scared to leave.

I’ve received heaps of support from SLT, which I am incredibly grateful for! I’ve been involved with this theatre for about 3 years in various roles, so already had an idea of how this process would work out, but knowing everyone is always around and willing to help has been very reassuring. My AD Emma has also been immensely helpful, a great support in and out of rehearsals, so shout out to her for all her work! And of course, my dedicated crew and phenomenal cast for their tireless commitment.

I’m sure I’ll be back in the future to direct again (though maybe something a tad more joyful next time!)

Emotional, fantastical, unflinching

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