The young cast of Elegies for Angels, Punks and Raging Queens on stage in Ventnor. Picture by Robin Crossley.
STAGE REVIEWA STARK reminder of the affects of Aids has on those with the disease and the loved ones who have to pick up the pieces, was portrayed through dance, song and poignant and humorous monologues, by a group of Ventnor teenagers.
Ventnor Youth Centre put on an entertaining show, entitled Elegies for Angels, Punks and Raging Queens, before a modest opening night audience at St Catherine’s School, Ventnor.
Seven teenagers from the youth centre, accompanied by the show’s director and youth worker, Jesse Rann, had performed it for the first time on the Island.
At least half the cast were making their debuts on the stage. Some early first-night nerves kicked in with one or two performances but as they grew into their characters, they rose to the occasion with some credit.
Jordan Cotton, 16, who played Patrick, a gay designer with the disease, put in a very creditable, heart-felt performance.
Other characters included a child, a shopaholic and a trollop, who all found their own ways of trying to understand and handle Aids after they contracted it.
Roly Botha, 13, stole the show as flamboyant transvestite, Roscoe, a drama queen who comes to terms with having the disease by going out in a blaze of glory.
It was clear by the quality of most performances that there was some genuine empathy for those who have suffered with Aids and their loved ones.
Cloth patches that symbolised each character were placed on an Aids memorial quilt at the side of the stage.
The performance is based on a show Jesse first saw at the Brit School, a performing arts college, in London.
She said: "It was a fantastic opportunity for young people to have fun performing this show and to get an important message and awareness of Aids across to the audience."
Reporter: jonm@iwcpmail.co.uk