UPDATES!
We have currently raised over £6,300!!!! Thank you to everyone for their support but we still have some distance to go. Help us reach our final goal!
Why Yellow Cake?
The project began by asking a question in a workshop "What do people think about Nuclear Energy?". We found that people had very strong stances, either completely in favour or avidly against. We then asked "What do you know about Nuclear Energy?" and we found the people knew very little! We then went to the streets to follow this up, with questionnaires and interviews, and again we found that people had very strong opinions but didn't know the facts.
Thus came the project Yellow Cake. Through our research we have found that many people in the UK have a "fear" of Nuclear Energy, and that Nuclear Energy is a cleaner energy source than coal, oil and gas.
We plan to expose the truths and lies about Nuclear Energy, enlighten our audiences and entertain.
We will represent these fears, we will provide the audience with the tools to question what they are hearing and seeing. Are you afraid? Why are you afraid? What should you be afraid of?
Yellow Cake is scheduled to have an initial showing in October, at the Bloomsbury Festival, as well as a second showing in Manchester (TBC).
Why Theatre Company?
In order to understand we must first ask, why? This question has driven the curiosity of Max and Eleanor all their lives in the pursuit of knowledge and understanding. This question was also a key stone to our artistic analysis: Why this play? Why now? It forces us to analyse every step we take and make sure that every one is purposeful and effective. This is why we are here, right now, presenting this to you.
Why Theatre is a new company exploring social and scientific themes. Max and Eleanor studied together at RADA and, during their time there, identified the type of theatre they wanted to make and what they thought was missing from the current theatrical landscape. Encouraged by their passion for science, psychology, philosophy, morality, and the complexity of human relationships, they set up Why Theatre in 2018.
Based between Lancashire and London, Why Theatre Company are focused on bringing content driven plays to audiences across the country. Endeavouring to make new relationships and inspiring people to never stop asking themselves and others: Why?
VISION and IMPACT
Climate change is a real threat to all of us. We hope that through this play we can give people the information they need in order to make an informed decision on Nuclear Energy and finally put a stop to the use of "clean" coal, "natural" gas and oil.
By combining immersive theatre and science we wish to fill the market gap and create a social impact that will influence all generations to engage with science and art.
We make theatre that is experimental and accessible; that connects with a larger demographic. There are science education shows for children but not many for adults. We want to change this
By working with theatre techniques which are fully embraced and realised in Europe, but are infrequently utilised in the UK, the work we create will be at the forefront of exploration for English theatre.
By putting on progressive and thought-provoking science theatre, we hope that people of all ages will be inspired to rediscover science whether it is in their professional lives or from the comfort of their couches.
Last, but not least, many articles have been written over the past few years about the increase in tribalism in our societies. This is why we want to create work that is brave, that engages with these divisions; work that encourages people to have difficult conversations whether they be about climate change, stem cell research, immigration or gender politics.
Risks & Challenges
Through financial management we have drastically reduced the risk of this project to a very small percentile.
This is a technically ambitious project and will need a high budget to adequately tell this nuclear energy story. With advice from professional producers and technicians, we are able to follow the most cost effective route to help guarantee our success.
We believe that no-one should do their job for free, and so we think it is reasonable to ask that all artists involved with this project get paid at least equity minimum wage. With your help we can ensure this and provide fair living to everyone.
The money we are raising will ensure we are able to make high-quality theatre, where everyone is paid for their hard work.
What We Need
We have managed to raise the first chunk of what we need (yay!) to cover rehearsal space, lighting and sound hire, theatre hire and will be getting marketing support from the Bloomsbury Festival.
However, we believe that no one should work for free. The money you give will help us to pay actors for two weeks of rehearsals, and their performances. We will also be bringing on a Technical Director to help with the creation and running of the show.
Other Ways You Can Help
If you can't support us financially but are keen to get involved, then please talk to your friends and family about this project and spread the word. Talk to your neighbours about nuclear energy. Ask a nuclear worker about their job.
Science and theatre aren't incompatible; just ask us! Drop us an email at: whytheatrecompany@gmail.com
And don't stop asking yourself, and others... why?
