BTEC Performing Arts students played to a full house on Wednesday night with their powerful and evocative winter production entitled ‘we are the 99%’

The performance was devised by the students using verbatim theatre techniques with all of the dialogue taken directly from YouTube clips of interviews, debates and speeches from current economic and political discourse. The audience encountered a montage of characters speaking from a variety of perspectives about the cuts to EMA, the privatisation of the NHS, August riots and worldwide Occupy Movement alongside video footage and choreographed movement to a techno and electro pop soundtrack.

The show demonstrated the students ability to engage with relevant and challenging debate, and produce inspiring and provocative theatre.

An audience member said the performance was “very thought provoking and moving, performed with conviction. It was great to see these young people representing the voices of the under-represented in such a creative way”.

For more information about the performance or work within the department please contact daniellecorbishley@reading-college.ac.uk