ONE OF Reading’s theatre companies is branching out into the silver screen with a new film series.
Reading Repertory Theatre has announced the launch of REBORN IN FILM, a new series produced with Reading-based production company Barracuda Films.
Five short films have been commissioned to celebrate the artistic community and spirit of the town and use cast, crew, and locations from around Berkshire.
The first is Ash Wednesday, written by Chris Adams and starring Timothy Allsop and Niall Kiely, follows the exploits of recently-single Mike as a Grindr message draws him into an unexpected situation.
It was inspired by Reading Rep’s reimagining of Oscar Wilde’s classic The Picture of Dorian Gray, DORIAN.
The second, Daniel Rusteau’s The Fight Before Christmas, explores a feuding couple’s fate on Christmas Eve, staring Shala Nyx and Bryony Reynolds.
Nikhil Parmar’s Look But Don’t Laugh examines the blurred lines between act and actor following a post-performace phone call.
Cassie Barraclough’s Albert explores a shy, young man’s efforts to stop the gentrification of his favourite nature spot.
Tim Stacy’s Youth and Young Person rounds out the collection with a poem exploring youth culture and the divide between social classes through childhood and adolescence.
Cassie Barraclough, producer at Barracuda Films, said “Reading Rep Theatre and Barracuda Films found ourselves questioning how theatre plays a part in our increasingly digital world.
“REBORN IN FILM was conceived to forge a link between theatre and film, to expand the theatre’s collaborative work into a new digital space, and to reach new audiences.
“Each film was shot in just one day or less on a shoestring budget– our team was made up of a mixture of professional and trainee talent, and we were proudly diverse throughout our cast and crew.
“Each short has its own distinct tone, and has been produced in the spirit of invention, experimentation and playfulness..”
Chris Cuming, Reading Rep’s Head of ENGAGE, said: “Reborn in Film shows how Reading Rep works with our local artists, creatives, and film-makers to create innovative and meaningful pieces which not only speak about the theatre but of issues affecting our communities.
“It is great to see our work expanding into new mediums – we are not just a venue for live theatre, workshops and community projects but now for digital work as well.
“Our Engage programme engages participants from early years through to care homes and these films celebrate all areas of the work we do across our award winning outreach programme.”
REBORN IN FILM is due for release via Reading Repertory Theatre’s website on Thursday, February 29.
