A NEW drama which looks at prejudice in a rural community will be performed at Barningham Village Hall on Saturday, November 20.
Jacaranda, by multi-award-winning playwright Lorna French, will take the audience on a journey of love, loss and belonging, as two strangers are brought together on a night that will change their lives forever.
The performance, by Pentabus Theatre Company, sees two characters find themselves beside a stream on the longest night of the year. Olivia has recently moved into her grandfather’s farmhouse. She’s not local, but she knows her way around. Matty is a gamekeeper, but he doesn’t often tell anyone. He’s wary of newcomers.
The two characters challenge and question themselves and each other as the play explores the wider experience of a black woman living in the countryside and the unstable position of gamekeepers in our society.
Robin Brooks, a member of Barningham Village Hall Committee, said: “The show is coming to us under the banner of the Highlights Rural Touring Scheme which is renowned for championing new work and it is great to have not only a high quality theatre performance but also one which reflects the rural present-day experience to an audience which can relate to it.
“It’s an opportunity to see world-class theatre and this is the only performance in County Durham. It promises to be thought-provoking and the company have promised a Q&A session afterwards to discuss the issues raised.”
The play is suitable for ages 14-plus. It includes descriptions of pregnancy and child loss that could possibly be upsetting for anyone who has been affected by pregnancy loss or the death of a baby.
The show starts at 7.30pm and tickets are £10.50 adults, £4.50 children and £23 for families. Call 01833 621203 or email [email protected] to reserve tickets or book on line at www.highlightsnorth .co.uk.
There is a two-for-one ticket offer for anyone aged between 16 and 35. Those attending are welcome to bring their own drinks.
