AUDIENCES will experience the ebb and flow of youthful lives in a new waterways-based play by Hampshire playwright Deborah Gearing.
Entitled UpBeat, the play, being staged by Hampshire-based theatre company Forest Forge at The Phoenix Theatre in Bordon, is set against the backdrop of the heritage waterways of Wessex.
It follows the story of a brother and sister as they travel from youthful rebellion to adult ideals.
The siblings go on separate voyages of discovery as they try to find their place in the world.
Alex is called by the chalk streams of home; Becca is drawn to a new horizon. But, separated, can they find the peace they are searching for?
Deborah said:?“When I set out on the research I?thought I would be talking to ‘river people’ like swimmers, rowers, anglers, riverkeepers and mill enthusiasts, but I quickly discovered that everyone has a deep memory of water and many people understand themselves to be ‘river people’.
“They are the source of our drinking water, our domestic water, a healing space in the constant hum of modern life, enjoyed by so many people. We need the riverkeepers.”
Woven into the play is folk music and Hampshire step dancing too.
UpBeat is at The Phoenix on Friday, April 1, at 8pm. Call 01420 472664 or visit the website www.phoenixarts.co.uk to book.