Still (NHB Modern Plays)

Five Edinburgh souls stagger towards each other and are transformed. Full of tenderness and humor, Frances Poet's play "Still" is a cathartic story of life, loss, and joy. It premiered at the Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh, during the 2021 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, directed by Gareth Nicholls.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 96 pages
\n Publication date: 05 August 2021
\n Publisher: Nick Hern Books
\n

Folk say you can trick a brain. Placebo power is real, and it's amazing how just standing up and taking a few steps can make a world of difference in how we feel. Gaynor's got to leave the house if she wants to meet her newborn grand-daughter, and she's feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety. Stillness has been the only way to deal with her chronic pain, but now it's time to move forward.

Gilly's not sure what her dying dad is feeling, but she knows from experience that it's best not to Google it. Dougie and Ciara have spent their last NCT class preparing for the labour pains ahead, but now it's time for one last night on the dance floor. And then there's Mick, who wakes up on Portobello Beach in the early hours of the morning with two gold rings in his pocket. He can't remember what they're for, but he knows it's something important. He'll work out what if only his old pal, Pat, will stop buying him drinks.

Five Edinburgh souls stagger towards each other and are transformed. Full of tenderness and humour, Frances Poet's play Still is a cathartic story of life, loss, and joy. It premiered at the Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh, during the 2021 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, directed by the theatre's Artistic Director Gareth Nicholls.

The play follows the lives of five strangers who meet on a train to Edinburgh. Each of them is dealing with their own struggles and challenges, from chronic pain to grief to a looming deadline. As the train journey progresses, they begin to open up to each other, sharing their stories and finding solace in their shared experiences.

One of the central themes of the play is the power of connection and the importance of being seen and heard. The characters are all isolated in their own ways, but through their interactions on the train, they begin to form a bond that transcends their differences. They learn to appreciate each other's strengths and weaknesses, and to support each other through the tough times.

Another theme is the idea of moving forward and letting go. Gaynor is facing the loss of her husband, and she's struggling to find a way to move forward. She's been living in stillness, trying to cope with her pain, but now it's time to take a step forward. Dougie and Ciara are preparing for the birth of their first child, and they're feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety. They know that it's going to be a challenging journey, but they're ready to face it together. Mick wakes up on Portobello Beach with two gold rings in his pocket, and he's not sure what they're for. He knows that they're important, but he can't remember why. He's been living a life of excess and indulgence, but now he's feeling a sense of emptiness.

Through their interactions on the train, the characters begin to piece together their pasts and understand the connections between their lives. They learn to let go of the things that hold them back, and to embrace the things that bring them joy. The play ends on a hopeful note, with the characters finding a sense of purpose and meaning in their lives. They've learned to connect with each other, and to appreciate the beauty of the world around them.

Still is a powerful and moving play that explores the complexities of human emotions and the power of connection. It's a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, and to the importance of being seen and heard in a world that can sometimes feel isolating.

\n Weight: 100g\n
Dimension: 129 x 198 x 13 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781839040276\n \n