Thanks to Evelyn for this brief insight into the live of Islander, Helen Reading. Ed
Producer, promoter, writer, director, advisor, mother, teacher and team leader all rolled into one dynamic body that is Helen Reading of redTie Theatre.
With a family history of contact with local theatre on the Island, her Grandmother was a founder member of the Apollo, she first performed here on stage in 1997, playing the role of Jacky in a four-hander called ‘My mother said, I never should’.
The play explores the relationship between four generations of women. She recalls how nervous she was and what ‘a massive learning experience it was.’
Passing on the skills
She has gone on to provide that learning experience to hundreds of young people. She organises workshops for nine to 19 year olds, summer schools and works within Island schools. All theatre skills are covered including the technical side.
There is an emphasis on political drama in all that she does and she finds that kids appreciate it and engage in political debate between themselves. “Disenchanted youngsters find getting into drama allows them to express themselves and support each other,” she told me.
Busy programme of productions
Always looking for new writers and fresh plays the performances by the redTie drama group take place at the Apollo in Newport and at the Quay Arts and always include young actors. Recent drama has been The History Boys, The Long Road and Matilda Liar and The Long Road was included in the Isle of Arts programme last weekend.
The statement on redTie’s Website ‘Encouraging Creativity and Self-expression Through Drama’ is what Helen along with her husband Steve and her team really live up to.
A lot more information can be found on their website.
