Hymns

By Chris O'Connell

1999, 2000, 2005

Hymns

Overview

Originally commissioned by The Gantry, Southampton Arts Centre and produced in association with Lyric Hammersmith

First performed on 14th September 1999 at The Drum, Theatre Royal Plymouth

Two men lay on the stage; arms splayed, knees bent. Beyond them, a table lies, upturned.
This post is written by: Scott Graham Artistic Director

Hymns was great fun to perform, despite being inspired by a few untimely deaths of people we knew.

It was so physically demanding, being choreographed by and co-directed with Liam Steel. Four friends are reunited by the death of another friend.

As they drink and reminisce it becomes clear that their relationships were not all equal and someone has a big secret.

In rehearsal – a man holds another upside down in what appears to be a twisting motion

Huge ladders ran up into the lighting rig and four men hurtled up and down them. The risk and danger exhilarated both performers and audience.

Apart from the time we played the tiny Royal Exchange studio in Manchester and were banging our heads on the roof. Some of the danger was replaced by comedy that day.

Hymns had an energy and spectacle to it that helped propel the company forward. It was still raw, maybe even naïve, but we were beginning to find our feet as a company.

Gallery

  • A smoky, blue-lit stage with ladders running up into the darkeness, is set with a rectangular table and five chairs. Three men in suits are stood on the table, holding beers and smoking. A fourth besuited man sits in front of the table, facing the audience. He's also holding a beer, looking pensive
  • In rehearsal – a man holds another upside down in what appears to be a twisting motion
  • Two men lay on the stage; arms splayed, knees bent. Beyond them, a table lies, upturned.

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