In this week's 'Postcards From' blog, we take a look at Bakkhai - the new Brighton Festival commissioned play from Third Space (formerly known as Windmill Young Actors), which we visited for its opening night on 13 May.
Photography by Andrew Hasson
Following the success of Romeo and Juliet, their sell-out show at Brighton Festival 2022, award-winning youth ensemble Third Space (formerly known as Windmill Young Actors) returned with Bakkhai.
A Brighton Festival commission, Bakkhai is a reimagining of The Bacchae by Euripides, an ancient Greek tragedy that has now been recreated as a raucous, youthful revolt.
Bakkhai is a locally-produced piece, which saw Third Space teaming up with Ceyda Tanc Dance (who are also presenting their dance performance, KIZLAR, at Brighton Festival this year) and Brighton People's Theatre to bring the play to Brighton Festival.
The show is directed by Tanushka Marah and showcases a diverse cast of more than 50 individuals, ranging in age from 8 to 60 years old, which includes young children from the Crew Club, a youth group based in Brighton.
Bakkhai takes place in the courts of the Crew Club, before the audience is led out onto the South Downs for the final scenes to take place against a verdant and dramatic backdrop.
Once on the South Downs, a soundtrack of choral harmonies and booming bass add a sense of grand dramatic atmosphere.
Stylish visual design and contemporary costume bring this ancient text to life in the modern world.
The story of Bakkhai is about a girl named Dionysis who can only tell the truth. Her honest way of looking at things inspires the oppressed people around her to start a rebellion against those in power.
Read more about Bakkhai in our 'Gather Round' blog with director Tanushka Marah here.