Lord of the Flies @ Theatre Royal

The result of a unique project, funded by Creative Scotland and in partnership with Glasgow Theatres and West Dumbartonshire Council, Lord of the Flies unites professional performers with local lads in a dance theatre adaptation of William Golding’s seminal novel. Boyishly raw and engaging, it lays down its mark as a solid standard for such inventive collaborations.

The production follows a yearlong set of workshops with 170 young men, many of whom had never danced before. Led by members of Re:Bourne, New Adventures’ educational programme, and dance artist Natali McCleary, the boys began with explorations into themes from Golding’s allegorical tale. Developing movement vocabulary and the short film Beastie en route, 15 of the lads were ultimately selected for the final stage show.

Transporting the action from a deserted island to the Theatre Royal itself, Lez Brotherston’s set provides a fitting playground for the cast. Here, the boys run, jump and stamp themselves into frenzied savagery, their largely pedestrian movements cunningly integrated with Scott Ambler’s powerful choreography for the trained dancers. It is no small achievement that the amateurs are presented in a position of equal importance with the professionals as they jointly create an atmosphere of madness and the ritualistic fervour builds.

The book’s essence is captured with remarkable deftness through the medium of dance. Sections evoking Simon’s hallucinations and ascension are of particular note for their controlled fluidity, effective symbolism and beauty. Individual characters retain their original significance and Bourne’s trademark wit mixed with pathos allows the audience to connect fully with the plot. An absorbing experience for all involved, one can only hope that this project is an indication of further great things to come.