Eclipse/Darkness in the Light Kendal Blog written as tradition dictates by the Connections Company
This year’s connections experience has been
unusual for me; not being a character in the actual connections play, I was in
Darkness in the Light. And I think it has been one of the performances I have
been most proud of. Being a part of a group that has managed to write and put
together a performance which we can be incredibly proud of, with a little input
from Sarah when we needed it, has shown me just how far I have come from when I
first joined Yew Tree as a shy eleven year old, when I would practice my best
and worst in my head all the way from school to home and then to Sapphire
company. Kendal has been, as always, an amazing experience. A respite from
college where I have performed, played ridiculous games like That’s Out! and a
Shakespearean insult off and generally enjoyed myself with an amazing group of
people. – Amy W
Hi from Kendal (as Georgia specified in her
Shabooyah role call, the place, not the Jenner)! This year is my third
connections and third year doing something different in connections. I’ve been
part of the prop crew setting scene changes in the wardrobe; an actor in
Hacktivists and this year part of the partner piece, Darkness in the Light.
Each year I’ve had a completely different experience of performing which has
made it even more exciting each time. The whole Kendal experience has been as
enjoyable as ever with the usual delights such as That’s Out (which we actually
got to play this year because the weather was fab!) and the exciting addition
of the Shakespearean insult battle in honour of his 400th birthday
which I’ll probably still feel rivalry about for a good few months (Team Moon
were the obvious winners but the judges called ‘a tie’ ;)). The process of
creating Darkness in the Light has also been an experience that I feel very
proud of, having co-created a piece of theatre from scratch inspired by
Eclipse, with the other 10 cast members. I love that numerous audience members
accepted our theory presented that Lucy Lime was taken by the moon, as well as
the two theories presented by the Eclipse cast. So I’d like to say thank you to
Sarah for letting us create Darkness in the Light and thank you to the Eclipse
and Darkness in the Light Cast for making connections and Kendal another performance
and experience I’ll never forget. – Toni
This year is my first time doing
connections, and it has been one of the best experiences I’ve had whilst being
at yew tree youth theatre. its been an extraordinary opportunity to be part of
a cast that is so welcoming and friendly. I have learnt many things whilst
being a part of connections for example how choral speaking can increase the
power of the play and highlight moments. Cant wait to do it all again next
year- roll on connection 2017!! – charlotte
during all of my experiences at Yew tree,
choosing to do connections this year has definitely been something new and a
whole new opportunity. Getting to know other members of yew tree and putting
together an excellent piece makes me feel joyful inside and proud of what we
have accomplished. I cannot say how immensely proud I am of each and every one
of the Eclipse and Darkness in the light cast and how they have all made me
feel very welcome, seen as though this year was my first connections. I also
cant thank Sarah enough for everything she has done for the cast, and opening
up this new chapter in my life. Very much looking forward to next years, hopefully
this will be the first of many!! – Eve
So this year was very different to
Hacktivitsts. For a start, we (technically) had three casts: Sun, Moon and our
partner piece of Darkness In The Light. Over the past six months, we have all
worked extremely hard to produce something that we’re all so proud of. It is my
second connections this time and it has not disappointed. Getting to know a
bunch of people that I hadn’t spoken to properly before within the cast has
definitely been a highlight. I couldn’t be prouder of the cast for all that we
have achieved. One thing that was different from last year, the weather, which
only meant one thing… We could go to the park and play ‘That’s Out’ and you
have never played a game quite like it. Let’s just say that I’m the most
left-handed batter that I think anyone will ever meet. Personally, I feel like
I’ve learnt so much from both Sarah directing us and the other members as I had
never worked as close with most of cast Sun as I have done for this performance
so it’s been lovely to build a different bond with each and every one of them
(including cast Moon and Darkness In The Light however all of my scenes were
with cast Sun). I’m looking forward to cherishing the memories forever and then
further building on my knowledge of acting and seeing how much more I can push
myself. The performance itself went exceptionally well and (I hope) we did it
justice as its now time for our next adventure. Bring on connections 2017… -
Emily
My third year at connections was definitely
another I wont forget. With a group of the most amazing people in and having
our own written unique piece that we wrote. This was a lot of hard work that payed
off but in the performance I felt as though it went the best we had done it
making last minute adjustments with in the tech we did. I enjoyed having
different challenges through the process of making the piece and researching things
I never knew about before hand. The bond between all the cast members is
stronger and as a cast we have become closer and the memories made are
definitely memories to remember. - Grace
I feel like if Kendal was a foodstuff then
the Food Standard’s Agency would be singing its praise. Imagine a tin, well
labeled, glorious even without a serving suggestion, jam-packed with Kendal.
You know what to expect. Always, it delivers. Rich with many traditions and customs and Kendalisms, I
always feel as if the festival is a time to just appreciate good theatre, meet
new people and forget about the stresses of college and daily strife – this
year no exception.
Thanks again everyone, good good good show.
– Sam
It’s been one crazy, unique, memorable experience doing
Connections. It’s what made us join Yew Tree, it’s the reason I’ve made what I
hope to be life long friends, it’s the reason I now practice shamanistic
rituals upon key events of the lunar calendars. I’m eternally grateful for those
who have helped make this what it is. Each performance was new, each rehearsal
added something important. I gained something small from each experience doing
this, and I don’t think I’ll ever do anything like it. But boy oh boy, it was
tough. Sleep was lost, tears were shed, and stress reached a new high. But, as
a creative person I think just makes it worth it, right? I think it was at the
climax of the performance on the stage in Kendal, as this cast, the same cast
that had worked tirelessly to put together these two amazingly unique shows,
the same cast that had but nine hours prior had been (contrary to proper vocal
preparation) been screaming Pitch Perfect on the coach, this same cast stood,
arranged on this stage, lit, indulging in the moving, powerful monologue that
John and Sam absolutely murdered, that I felt a super overwhelming feeling of
pride to be part of the show. It was worth it. All of it. My only regret is
that I won’t be able to do it again. To this years cast (and the incomparable Sarah
Osborne), I say this: thank you. Sincerely, from the bottom of my heart. To the
next cast: best of luck. Enjoy it. I know I did.
Bailey.
so 2016 was my fifth and last ever Kendal, which is absolutely
mentalllllllll. it's my favourite weekend of the whole year and I don't think
there's anything in the world quite like it, I love it because what should or
shouldn't constitute an amazing weekend doesn't apply, and no matter what it'll
be the best fun you'll have ever. it's hard to describe until you're there and
in the middle of it all, but I can tell you that everyone who's ever been knows
exactly what I mean. this year was no exception and I have laughed and smiled
and sang and danced about as much as it is humanly possible to do. the show on
Friday night went incredibly well and I'm crazy proud of every single member of
the cast for absolutely smashing it in so so many different ways. I can still
remember Kendal 2012 like it was yesterday and I'm so grateful I have been
allowed to be transformed by the magical powers of Kendal for the last 5 years –
Amy O X
My first and last Kendal experience is
definitely something I won’t ever forget. Putting together a piece from scratch
with the Darkness in the Light cast, whilst watching the Eclipse cast progress
and flourish week on week has been an absolute joy. Performing on Friday, and
being able to fully appreciate the beauty of what we have created over the past
few months, made all the Saturday evenings freezing in the back room of Sarah
T’s so worth it! Thank you to each and every person I have spent this weekend
with; it’s been brilliant. – Lottie x.
The whole connections process has been amazing. I think that
this connections has been the one where I have grown the most as a performer.
I've loved every moment and Kendal was just the icing on the cake so proud of
everyone. Thanks to everyone who has made this as brill as it was ly all -
Hollie
Kendal. Well where do I start? That is the
question? This is my second time at Kendal and I have begun to love the place
even more. This year has brought many memories which I will cherish like not
been able to order food because we wereen’t 18. The experience of playing a
blind boy as it has brought many new challenges. Performing on Friday made me
realise how far we have come as a cast. This year I made new friends and I have
been able to have the chance to work with some people who amazing. Lets say
staying up until 4am playing cards against humanity made me extremely closer to
different people. Believe it or not. I can’ t wait for connections 2017 – dec
My name is Samzo Amore and I am a certified
G and a bonafide stud, and you can’t teach that. Usually I can’t take anything
seriously, hence the near-nonsensical intro (this is Sam Mandi-Ghomi, by the
way. I also go by ‘Machine Gun’), but Connections required full focus,
channeling of intensity and actual concentration; and, honestly, I loved every
second of it. Probably the technically best piece of theatre I’ve ever been a
part of, the entire Connections experience has just been a joy. I’m fully in
love with Kendal, and our performance of Eclipse at the festival was probably
the best we’ve ever done of it – I’m proud of myself and every single other
person involved with this process. Well done all! – Sam Mandi-Ghomi
This could possibly be my last Kendal
experience and it has been amazing. I have really enjoyed making DITL and
working with the people in it. It has been such a good trip and everyone did
really well, well done guys!! – Libby
I came into connections mid way through to
do the sound for the performance and it has been really fun and interesting
watching process from the outside, iv had a blast with the cast- Courtney
Foreword-sorry about the grammar, and
ramblyness, and the general lack of sense. This is my last connections trip and
I haven’t cried… yet. I loved every minute of doing this play, from the
audition to today even after we’ve done what we came here to do (sounds like
I’m in some cheesy horror film). Even if I were to only write about my
favourite things I’d be writing till the next years Kendal performance, so I’ll
try not ramble (to the joys of my history teacher) and be super specific. Okay
first favourite moment, the cast. My oppo in cast sun short stack herself Alice
Narey is possible one of the most generous and patient oppos in existence,
regardless of how much I messed up, complained, or just didn’t do what I was
meant too she persevered and made me develop a better character and
subsequently a better performance. Second, the play itself, Simon Armitage if
you’re reading this (highly unlikely but oh well) you sir produced an absolute
banger of a play and although the rhyming was frustrating and was really
interesting and definitely worth it. Third, rehearsals, we’ve had some downs,
mainly ups I think my favourite rehearsal had to be the first, the read through
foreshadowed just how brilliant our performance was going to be, and you could
see the characters already developing. And… what number am I on? …Finally, Kendal… enough said! I will miss the
connections experience, I will miss yt, but the closeness of a connections cast
is something only really achieved here. I want to say thank you to the cast for
putting up with me for the best part of a year, thanks to Trish (who is
fabulous as always) and all the other brewery arts staff who make this
experience fantastic. Ox thank you, because without you we are just a bunch of
crazy people shouting “ECLIPSE ECLIPSE EVERYONE INTO POSITION:” in the dark.
Thanks court for being the best sound gal in the universe, thanks Hannah for
co-dealing with our shannigans for the weekend. And thank you Sarah, I don’t
know what’ll I do in September when I leave, without ninja warrior and improv
to fill up my weekends.
-georgia out.
Connections is a truly special experience –
the chance to work and graft over fantastic works by gifted authors is one of
the most creatively fulfilling endeavours that has ever been presented to me,
and I am thankful to have been a part of it. Thankful to all involved, thankful
to those who make it possible, and thankful to Sarah and the rest of our cast
for being part of it.
John
What can be said that I haven’t said over
the last couple of years? Well, this year marks my last connections and it
truly breaks my heart not to be able to do it again. Kendal mixed with spending
time with the wonderful people that I get to spend every Saturday evening with
is something that I wish I never had to say goodbye to. These people are
honestly some of the most special people I think I have ever met and I only
wish that I could spend more time with them. Connections is always special as
it pushes everyone to be the very best that they can be and that is never going
to go amiss. Its my favourite thing of the year and I am gutted I can’t do it
next year because I am getting too old for this life. Thank you to the
connections cast and, obviously, to Sarah. It has been a blast
-
Bobbie xoxo
Ok so this is my third and final year doing
connections and as much of an emotional rollercoaster as it has been, I’ve
loved every single second of it and I know that’s horribly cliché but I really
mean it. These guys have been my second family for so long now and it’s
wonderful to say I’ve performed with the very best of the best people in the
world. Lucy Lime was a challenging character but we took her in our stride
right Hollie? I love you all very much and I’m so proud and happy for us all.
Thanks you lot!!
-
Leah xxx
Kendal is probably one of my favourite weekends of the year, and
this one did not disappoint. It feels like the whole eclipse experience has
been leading up to this, and so the performance we did at the Brewery arts
centre, and the memories that were created in the time surrounding it, are
going to stick in my mind for a long time. I've been so lucky to work alongside
such talented and unique individuals. I've shared tears, laughter, frustration
and delight with people I am proud to call my friends. Hopefully we continue
working together in various yew tree events and plays, but for now, as we part
from the connections 2016 experience, all I can say to everyone involved in any
way at all, is thank you. Thank you for making the past 6 months brilliant. I'm
sad to see it over – Tom O
This connections experience has been
absolutely amazing, this is my first time doing yt stuff outside of crimson. I
have made some amazing friends and Kendal has been brill. It’s a completely new
thing that I never thought I would be doing this time last year. I will definitely be coming back to
connections and the friends that I’ve made here mean a lot to me. So thank you
to Sarah, who is an absolute
legend and the rest of the cast who are stars!
-
Lowenna xx
Words. They’re kind of hard to handle.
Kendal is one of those experiences that I can’t put into words. Although this
isn’t my first time at Kendal, this time I got to see what it is like to
perform on the Kendal stage – and what a pleasure it was. It was an honour to
be able to play Tulip. This year is a lot of people’s last…Unfortunately I
cannot mention all, however, I can mention someone I’m especially fond
of…Georgia. She may have been a pain in my butt half of the time but I’m not so
innocent either. Georgia, I guess you’re alright sometimes (although we all
know I played the better Tulip…) I cannot thank Sarah enough for this weekend
and I truly hope that this can continue next year and the year after that and
the year after that….I think you get the picture. I love you all, than you so
much.
-Alice
‘Wow.’ Literally the only word that can
even come close to describing the end of my first YT Connections and my first
trip to Kendal. Performing on the Kendal stage was an experience that I loved
immensely and will never forget. My favourite part of the trip has to be the
moment of absolute exhiliration when we had finished the show, but also the
sadness in the knowledge that I will never get the chance to perform with this
group of people again. I can only hope that any of this can be replicated in
next year’s YT Connections…
-Tom Mason
I've been trying to avoid writing my blog because I don't know
how to put into words how much I enjoy the whole Kendal experience. The friends
I've made, the writs and crazy exploits that are Shakespeare insult battles and
role call. I love every little bit of Kendal and it kills me a little to know
that we might not be able to do it next year. My heart will forever belong to
Kendal and I'm already feeling the withdrawal. There are people I'm going to
miss so so much I miss the place and the experience already. If you can't tell
I'm over emotional most likely due to the very little amount of sleep, but
that's the joys of Kendal I guess. But life goes on time to do some revision
and eat some healthy food for once this weekend and if anyone from my school asks
I've been ill all week – Ellen
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