Everything Theatre Reviews, interviews and news for theatre lovers, London and beyond
Bryan Oliver on Scavengers
Post-apocalyptic worlds are a common theme in fringe theatre, but that’s isn’t a complaint, more an observation. Because no matter how many plays start with that one simple premise, it’s all about where they go from there that matters. Which is why Scavengers, which comes to Etcetera Theatre as part of Camden Fringe this August, was a play we wanted to know more about when the press release dropped into our inbox.
And luckily for us, writer Bryan Oliver was more than willing to find some time to answer some questions for us about why so many of us love an end of the world story, and why Camden Fringe is the place to share them.
What can you tell us about the post-apocalyptic world of Scavengers?
It’s a world in the not-too-distant future where two lovers, Zeb and Wikki, are trying to survive and hide from a Warlord’s hunters. When Finn, another survivor, breaks in looking for food and water, all their lives are thrown into danger and confusion. They are forced to confront their sexual longings, fears, and deadly outside forces that threaten to destroy everything they believe and desperately cling on to.
And what is it that makes Scavengers different from other end of the world plays?
Well, I haven’t seen or read any other end of the world plays, to be honest, so that’s hard to say. I didn’t want to be influenced by anyone. I imagine every writer will express their own feelings and ideas about how the future might look and put their creative, individual stamp on it. The setting of Scavengers may be bleak, but the characters are full of humanity, and there is also some humour along the way. Zeb even dances and is a big fan of Motown music!
What made you want to explore such a world for Camden Fringe?
Saving the planet is one of the most important and urgent topics for a writer to explore, and I didn’t want to shy away from it. I wanted to show what might happen if we continue exploiting and destroying everything around us. However, there is still hope. We don’t live in the characters world. We can still change direction. I wanted to explore a dystopian world, but in an entertaining way. Scavengers is an Eco-Thriller.
Why do you think we love stories about such desolation?
I think it’s because we both fear and are excited by them. It could all happen to us. What would we do if it did? How would we react? What choices would we have to make to stay alive? What sacrifices? Could we still hold on to our humanity? Could we still trust? Still love? Perhaps these stories take us full circle back to stone age men, women, and children, sitting round a campfire telling their stories about the frightening, unknown and exciting world around them.
Scavengers plays at Etcetera Theatre, which is a classic black box venue, how much does this help with the feel of the show?
Scavengers is set in a room in the basement of a London Tower block and the Etcetera space really works well for that kind of setting. It’s also a very intimate space, (only 42 seats) so the audience can really experience the characters emotions and events up close. I have a great cast: Neil Hobbs, Matteo Piombino and Grace Richardson. Neil was Gold Movie award winner for best actor in 2018.
How important are festivals such as Camden Fringe in allowing creatives to evaluate new ideas and help develop shows for the future?
I think they are very important. It’s hard to get a play accepted by the established theatres. A writer sends in a play, but it’s really a calling card to get a commission to write another play. It can then take years before the play is produced. Many commissioned plays never see the light of day. Festivals give creatives the chance to get things on. They are a showcase for work that can so easily be neglected and rejected by the mainstream. At their best, Festivals can be a green light for creativity, innovation and risk taking. Long live Festivals! Long live The Camden Fringe Festival!
Many thanks to Bryan for finding time before the world’s end to chat with us. Scavengers will play at Etcetera Theatre as part of Camden Fringe between 16 and 20 August (7pm each evening). Further information and bookings can be found here.
