Miniatures short plays, big ideas, massive subject

Having appeared on two previous occasions as a performer at the Highland Festival, I was delighted to be invited back, this time to direct Miniatures. The core element of this project is the writing and I've defined my main task as providing a platform to showcase new writing in the Highlands - a challenge indeed, as its unusual these days to have the opportunity to work on original drama

The four pieces, all exploring whisky are very different in style. There's a monologue, based on a traditional, conventional story telling piece. The mythological and historical duologue is driven by its use of rich and poetic language, while the modern ensemble piece relies much more on stage business and the interaction between characters. And bringing up the rear, we've a classically structured play, where music plays a crucial role in developing the atmosphere, the time and the place

All lend themselves to an overtly theatrical style and the challenge has been to present these in a fun and informal atmosphere, while making optimum use of space in an imaginative and theatrical way

theatrecollective@highland has a tradition of presenting plays in a style where the audience are made to feel part of the show rather than sitting outside looking in - a tradition I buy into wholeheartedly. My task has been made immeasurably easier due to the immense contribution and hard work of my fellow collaborators - the writers, actors, musicians, backstage crew and production team. The trick has been to combine the creative talents of this highland clan to produce what I hope you'll agree will be a magical evening

Slainte

Peter Searles
Director

For information on Highland Festival 2005 click here