Generation – Tramway Glasgow

Old enough to vote, old enough to drive, old enough to order a pint, to have sex, to work, to get married, to wear a uniform and fight. You are legal.

Congratulations, you are an adult.

So what will you do next?

GENERATION is a newly devised, autobiographical piece from Glas(s) Performance, looking at the future and what it holds for the next generation of young adults in 2011.

Four performers, aged 17 – 18, reveal their hopes, aspirations and ideals as they come of age. GENERATION examines the choices that are available to young adults, reflecting their position and responsibilities in the world. Against a backdrop of massive changes, cuts to higher education and a failing jobs market, we share in the performers’ experiences, look at what they will inherit and explore the notion of “future” through their eyes. Glas(s) Performance is a Glasgow based theatre company that collaborates with real people in the place of fictional characters to tell stories that explore every day human experiences. The company is a creative partnership between RSAMD graduates Jess Thorpe and Tashi Gore. They have been creating autobiographical performance projects since 2004.

Generation poster

I found out about Generation from a friend Stephanie Hunter who is one of the four person cast performing the show. As my friend was performing I agreed to go straight away without knowing what the show was about, although reading about it only furthered my excitement of seeing Stephanie perform.

Although I ended up being late for the show I thoroughly loved what I saw. I think a good way to describe it is that it made me think, but not too much. It of course was very easy to relate to the performers, as they were simply being themselves. There was a great contrast between high energy movement, conveying a whole range of emotions, and quiet, calming contemplation. The movement between the high energy and calmed scenes forced me to think about the ups and downs of being 17. I still want to have good care-free times at the same time as I want to grow up and be mature which obviously brings with it many responsibilities.

The contrast, perhaps not during the show but certainly afterward made me bring the two together and think about growing up at the same time as having a good time. It really made me think about what was going on in my life be it relationships, commitments, jobs or money (especially the fact that I need and Isa) but it also made me think ‘fuck it enjoy being 17 and see what happens with life’. I feel I have a happy medium between the two I like to think of the future and plan ahead but I also live in the now and go with the flow.

I felt that it was ironic that I was late for the show, (having got on the wrong train) due to a stupid mistake, which is just one of these things. Although I was so angry about missing part of the performance I was reminded by the train conductor that being late happens and that ‘its life’ which of course is what Generation was all about, real life and growing up.

As well as being extremely entertaining and thought provoking Generation was also very inspiring, although I can’t quite put my finger on why, I can simple describe the things I liked. I like that the cast were themselves and so were in their own clothes, each looking individual and unique. I liked the simplicity of the set stage with only four single tables and chairs on stage. I liked the contrast of the music and movement. I liked the lighting and the rustic look of the stage. It has inspired me to do some performance art, although I don’t know what about and it has inspired me to somehow be creative in a contemporary way.

Unfortunately Generation has now finished showing at the Tramway, although I would highly recommend visiting the tramway and seeing what else is on and also finding out more about the theatre company Glas(s).

If you read this well done Steph you were great really loved the performance!!!