Review: Freedom Studios Snapshots

Performance art in Yorkshire is going through a purple patch, but it is a period that will only be sustained if the theatre makers of tomorrow keep coming through. Freedom Studios, along with lots of other organisations – including the venue at which it held its latest venture – is playing a vital role in finding the talent that is to be invested in and developed if we are to continue to see good work emerging from Yorkshire.

With its latest showcase for new writing, the method is to be admired, if not necessarily the results. Presenting four pieces of work – a light installation, and three performance pieces – it is easy to see that Freedom is still trying to find its feet and understand exactly what it is in the wake of the departure of artistic director Madani Younis. Producer Deborah Dickinson is now running the show and it is interesting that, while she is still clearly understanding the direction the company will now go, she will continue to give opportunities to emerging writers through Freedom.

The most complete of the three pieces presented at Snapshots was Sorry, a technology heavy piece performed by Dina Mousawi The interaction between performer and technology was interesting, but a beating heart needs to lay at the centre of the story. A second piece by the same writer of Sorry, Whispers, felt more melodrama than drama.

In New Britain Shaida Chaudhury sets up an interesting world, but there was little time to fully explore that world. It showed potential and that is the most important aspect of this work – that it is happening and has potential.