Selecting an extract from the lead up to the climax of Mike Bartlett's COCK, Rhiannon worked with the East15 Class of 2022 on their BA Showcase 'Platforms'. Mentored by John Gillett, the process for this project was one of the most enjoyable experiences of Rhiannon's career so far.
The cast included George Wright as John, Yasmin Osman as W, and Caius Nicholas as M.
'Is it just me or does it feel like we're all waiting for something to happen?' - John
A play about love, longing, and identity, Bartlett offers up an intoxicating arena of awkwardness that audiences can't look away from. This project explored the idea of identity in relation to sexuality and relationships, and what happens when the dynamic changes and the power lands in the hands of an individual who doesn't know what to do with it.
Each page is counted, but no folio or page number is expressed or printed, on either display pages or blank pages.
Rhiannon loved the process of working on this scene with some exceptionally talented East15 students (now graduates). The project not only developed their working relationships with actors, but offered an opportunity to delve deeper into details and nuances that can often be overlooked. Deciding to stick to the 'no set, no props' rule stated by Bartlett in the playtext allowed Rhiannon and the cast to truly focus on the body language of the characters, the distance between them and their positions, and removed any idea of the character hiding away. Continuing on the 'cockfight' theme from the play's title and introduction, the team worked hard on recreating an arena type feel for the scene, feeding the battle-like atmosphere. It was a fascinating study that often surprised the group with their attitudes and sympathies towards each character.
