Previewed: Hair

The Tab chats to producer Elissa Churchill, about DULOG’s upcoming production of HAIR


Can you summarise the story for us?
HAIR was one of the first concept musicals, so the audience don’t get the kind of narrative they’re used to from a standard musical. It basically tells the story of a tribe of hippies that live in New York, who have gathered for the lovefest that is a ‘Be-In’. Set in 1967, during the Vietnam War, it deals with the nominal leader of the tribe, Claude, and his decision as to whether to go off and fight, or stay within the protection of the tribe. It’s pretty much a product of the hippie movement and sexual revolution of the 1960s.
What is your favourite moment in the show?
Its hard to pick a favourite moment, simply because every song and scene is different from the last. HAIR covers a wide variety of different genres, from funk to tribal chanting. I’ve not heard a soundtrack this strong for a while, and I think we can safely say that HAIR is as much a treat for the ears as it is a visual spectacle. If I had to pick out a moment for the audience to look out for, I would just warn them that they should expect to be as much in the show as the tribe itself. There are no boundaries in this show, so the audience can expect to get very up close and personal with the cast.
The overall message of HAIR is as relevant today as it was at the time. As a show, I think HAIR has something that will resonate with every audience member. It has been a long-standing tradition in productions of HAIR that at the end of the show, the audience is invited up onstage to dance and celebrate with the cast. This blurring of the lines between the actors and audience is what makes HAIR and incredibly exciting and gratifying show to be a part of.
‘HAIR’ is known for its controversy, with nudity, blasphemy and drugs. Have you responded to this in your production, or are you retaining all original elements of the show?  
‘HAIR’ is as controversial now as it was then, and its the show’s treatment of taboo subjects that make it such a spectacle. We’ve not watered down the content of the show – students are the perfect audience for a show like ‘HAIR’, and we are also trying out something that to my knowledge is very novel to the Durham theatre scene. Every show, 8 people will have the chance to watch the show from onstage, being very much involved in the antics of the tribe, and getting a very close look at that infamous scene.
HAIR has a greatly no-holds-barred attitude towards its more controversial aspects, which the cast has had to embrace. I think I can safely say that we have all been liberated by being a part of this production!
In five words, why should people come and see ‘Hair’?
Let. The. Sunshine. In. Naked.
Performances:
Tuesday 12th – Friday 15th March, 7.30pm, The Assembly Rooms
£5 (DST)/ £5.50 (Student)/ £6.50