I am male. I am masculine.
I am independent.
I am non emotional.
I am aggressive.
I am tough-skinned.
I am competitive.
I am strong, self-confident and rebellious.
I am sexually aggressive.
I am male. I am masculine.
Fragility is a highly visual, physical performance that explores what it means to be a young man in 2016, created by eight young men aged 17-22 years. The production, set over the course of a night out explores expectations of masculinity with a focus on the pressure to have sex. Pressure from peers. From partners. Yourself.
Fragility previewed at the Leith Walk Studios as part of Leith Late 2016 and The Macrobert Arts Centre as part of the National Theatre of Scotland’s Exchange 2016 programme where the Fragility boys shared the stage with performers from across Scotland, New Zealand and New York. They then had a week long Fringe run at the unique setting of Leith Walk Studios where they performed in the courtyard of the old tram depot. It’s surprisingly funny for a piece with such a strong message. All performances sold out in August.
Creative Electric are delighted to re-stage Fragility as part of the Bongo Club’s 20th Anniversarycelebrations in the Bongo’s main club space. We believe that this will give the production an exciting new setting, one that allows the boys a natural vulnerability that you wouldn’t necessarily find in a traditional theatre space. You’ll be up close and personal with the cast. They’re competing with one another, the music and punters at the bar. They’re fighting to be heard just as they are every day of their lives.
Fragility explores strong themes, including non-consensual sex. During the creative process it became clear that this was a theme close to the cast’s heart and one they felt it was important to open up a dialogue with their peers about. Creative Electric have worked closely with all involved to create Fragility in a safe and supportive environment with the support of local agencies who specialise in supporting young people.
Fragility has been directed by Creative Electric’s Artistic Director Heather Marshall. Heather is a socio-political artist who often works under the alias of Creative Electric where she creates accessible work for those who don’t traditionally attend mainstream arts events.
These have included audio installations in public toilets, immersive playgrounds for 16-25 yr olds,theatre in skate parks, durational performance works using ice cream in abandoned buildings, exploring the isolation of life-shortening conditions by placing performers inside giant zorbs and creating theatre about words getting stuck in your mouth with her seven-year-old godson.
Heather’s work is nothing if not diverse. She enjoys making mistakes and seeing where they take her, often to the very best of places, and these have led to her creating work for organisations including The Arches, Imaginate, Stoff (Stockholm), Unga Nyskapare, Bla Huset, UNG08, National Theatre of Scotland, Dance Base, The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Hidden Door, The British Art Show 8, Kelburn Garden Party, LADA, No Knives Better Lives, City of Edinburgh Council and Creative Scotland.
She is incredibly proud of the work created by the cast of Fragility.
Creative Electric is a professional theatre company that specialises in working with emerging performers. The company are based in Edinburgh at The Bongo Club. Fragility has been supported by Artcore Edinburgh.
For more information on Fragility or Creative Electric or to book a seat at a performance please email Creative_electric@hotmail.com
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Entry is by donation, with donations from the door takings going to Rape Crisis Scotland.
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NB There are two performances: 3pm & 7pm
Running time: 45 mins.
Location
The Bongo Club
66 Cowgate
Edinburgh
EH1 1JX
