A reflection of Frantic Assembly’s: Things I know to be true.

Things I know to be true accomplishes the portrayal of trauma, without explicitly showing it. Instead, frantic assembly opt to show grief and trauma through theatrical means – such as a beautiful row of trees; a dimly lit spot to perform monologues in, and clever word play to break the tension. As a company, this has become our goal for Project Sword. To represent the trauma of war, not replicate it. Although this performance focuses on the relationships and secrets in a family, there was still a great deal of inspiration to be found within this performance. For project sword, it inspired us to think creatively about creating dialogue and monologues. The dialogue we create needs to serve a purpose. This purpose could for comedic effect, acting as a way to break up the tension of the narrative. Alternatively, it could reveal information about the characters and accurately portray them as humans with backstories and real emotions.

The structure of the piece focused on monologues or scenes containing 2-3 members of the company. As these scenes were taking place, other members of the company were stationed in dimly lit areas of the stage, waiting to aid the backstage crew or spring into this scene. As a company, this enabled us to consider the use of an on/off area to use when not in the forefront. This creates a new dynamic in the work and allows us to consider our elements of ensemble theatre making and scenography thusly. A key aspect I wish to bring into rehearsals as a result of Things I know to be true is their synthesis of movement and text. The two never felt separate, and complimented each other accordingly. As a company, this is something we will strive to emulate; in order to create a narrative which engages, and pays homage to those who fell on the 6th of June 1944.

By James Wardlaw.