Today we are speaking with Hao Zhao, a current student on the Writing for Stage and Broadcast Media, MA course about the new play, Nocturnal Fantasy.
This production is the first show made by the theatre company, Bodies for Rent and will be showing at The Drayton Arms Theatre from 26-29 January.
Tell us a bit more!
I am now working on co-directing and devising a show named Nocturnal Fantasy.
The story is about a gathering of Amy, Lucca, Mika, and Max, with each character there for a different reason. It’s hosted by a young lawyer called Max and set in his one-bedroom flat. Based on the character’s emotional journeys, relationships, and experiences, the set takes us to several different places.
We want to provoke the audiences’ imagination and let them decode the clues we are giving them. Each audience member might have a completely different conclusion. The play is funny, crazy, but also serious and deep.
Who are you working on this project with?
In this project, I cooperate with students and graduates from Central, East 15 Acting School, and Goldsmiths. We are from four different countries, all with distinctive backgrounds and would like to share our different experiences with each other and our audiences.
What made you get involved with this project?
The people! I have met several good collaborators and we created a show in July 2021. It was a wonderful experience for me. I think it is really important for each theatre-maker to find a good team to work with.
After that initial project, we decide to make a new show as a theatre company. Last year, we founded our theatre company, Bodies for Rent. This gave me the confidence to make a bigger show with them. That’s how it all started.
What are you currently working on?
At the moment, I am working on refining the structure of the show and helping the production team to write some captions or introductions of the show for social media. We have started to sell tickets for audiences. I would like to see more audiences could come and watch the show.
How do people book tickets?
You can book tickets now! Nocturnal Fantasy is on from 26-29 January at The Drayton Arms Theatre. You can also stay up to date with upcoming activities from the Bodies For Rent Theatre Company by following us on Instagram.
How has this project related to your studies?
I am using a lot of the skills from the Writing for Stage and Broadcast Media, MA course. I realised that instead of using text, the writing skills I learned at Central could be used in devising plays in another way.
As a director and devisor, I could ‘write’ a story with the actors directly with movements, props, spaces, and so on. Words are not the only media for me as a writer to express my ideas. The structures and forms I have learned are also used for the flow of composition of movements, props, lights, space, and other theatrical languages. I am really happy to use them as my ‘words’ to make my voice.
What has surprised you most about your experience?
Cooperating with different people has always surprised me. Devising is a method that you need to respect each collaborators’ ideas. As a writer, I used to just listen to my voice. I’d like to write my own story and then make people love it. But as a devisor, devising a play, you need to know how to respect and listen to others’ voices. It is significant for you to find a better way to chew and digest others’ ideas. Sometimes you need to fully support them and help them to develop their voice. That progress is quite different from working with my own voice.
How did you find out about Central and decide to study with us?
I heard about Central from one of my friends. She told me that it is one of the best theatre schools in the UK, so I tried to find more information online and watched the video of my course.
It was the opportunities of working with professional directors and actors as a writer that made me decide to study in Central. As a playwright, I would like to know more about how to cooperate with other professionals. Also, the Writing for Stage and Broadcast Media, MA course at Central makes it possible for me to know more about other media types, which can help me to explore more about writing in different areas.
What are you planning to do after graduation?
My plan is what I am doing! I just want to make theatre with a bunch of good friends, which I am doing now.
You can find out more about Hao Zhao and his work on the Instagram for Bodies for Rent Theatre Company.
To book tickets to Nocturnal Fantasy, visit The Drayton Arms Theatre website.
