DDF Preview Day 1

David Knowles talks to the three writer/directors of the first day of the Durham Drama Festival, Dom Riley, Tim Fisher and Nick Waszkowycz,

Show: Two Days From Now

Blurb: When Craig discovers time travel, his housemates can't take him seriously. Then one of them sees something he shouldn't. Comic and poignant in turns, 'Two Days From Now' asks whether four very ordinary people can change the course of time.

What inspired you to write for DDF?

The ideas mainly came out of sharing a house with some friends last year. There was a great sense of camaraderie with plenty of back-and-forth banter and a few surreal moments along the way. It was out of all these little moments, and the way that they just came to be taken as normal, that the original concept was born. Although to be honest with you, I only started writing it to avoid revising for my second year exams…

What's your show all about?

It’s an intricately plotted thriller with comic elements about four students who discover a portal into the future and end up having to deal with the consequences. It’s sort of a cross between Memento, Donnie Darko and Fresh Meat.

Why should Durham students see your show?

There are so many reasons why, but I’ll give you three:
1. The time travelling- as far as I know, this is the first time anyone has attempted to deal with time travel on a Durham stage, and we’ve got a few surprises in store…
2. The cast- we’ve got a refreshing mix of relative newcomers and more experienced actors taking on some challenging roles- they’re a really impressive ensemble.
3. It’s all about students- underneath it all, it’s the story of four guys living out and trying to make the most of it, complete with X-Box Live sessions, drinking games and of course, ‘banter’.

What's your favourite part of the show?

Based on how they’ve been performing it in rehearsal, the exchanges between Craig (Joe Burke) and Stubbsy (Karim Mariey) are worth the ticket price alone!

Show:Love/Lust

Blurb: Love/Lust is a new musical following the trials and tribulations in an arrogant young man's first attempts at relationships. Set to a pop-rock accompaniment, this show explores those intimate and awkward moments involved in a young person's sexual and emotional awakening, and is sure to make you crack up, cringe and cry all at the same time.

What inspired you to write for DDF?

I actually had written most of the material before even thinking about DDF. It was only when someone suggested I submit an application that I considered it.

What's your show all about?

It follows the rather debaucherous exploits of a young English student in New York. The protagonist Jamie starts off as a bit of a sleeze, but when he falls in love and has his heart broken you start to feel sorry for him.

Why should Durham students see your show?

It's a good laugh with some catchy tunes and a lot of scenarios that people can (although they wouldn't admit it) relate to.

What's your favourite part of the show?

A song I wrote with the actor who sings it (Hannah Howie) in mind. Her character sings about how her boyfriend mistreats her, and she gets to show a cheeky bit of attitude.

Show:Emeric Frontal

Blurb: Emeric Fontal may be a villain. He may be a convicted liar. He may have had blood on his hands. And worse. He may be destined for eternal damnation. But Emeric Fontal is no dairy coward.

What inspired you to write for DDF?

First and foremost the abject lack of dairy metaphors in modern day theatre. I felt this was something that needed to be addressed as quickly as possible.

What's your show all about?

It’s about a gang of criminals who plan an awful crime to escape the underworld they inhabit. The eponymous Mr. Fontal is tormented by his conscience about the potential consequences of the plan, but knows he will be booking himself an appointment with the hangman’s noose should he attempt to stop the wickedness by handing himself in to the authorities.

Why should Durham students see your show?

I guarantee you nothing in DDF this year will be quite like Emeric Fontal; it’s surreal, it’s dark, the characters are all slightly sadistic, it features gingerbread, a dentist, five card draw, what more could you possibly want from an evening of theatre?

What's your favourite part of the show?

Definitely the fight scenes choreographed to a Motown soundtrack. Smokey would be proud.

22.02.2011
Assembly Rooms
Two Days from Now 7pm,
Love/Lust 8pm,
Emeric Frontal 9pm,