03 Sep 2024
Shaper/Caper presents SMALL TOWN BOYS TUE 8 OCT - SUN 13 OCT, 8PM
VENUE: POLO LOUNGE, 84 WILSON STREET, G1 1UZ
After a sell-out show in 2023, Dundee-based company Shaper/Caper presents Small Town Boys - a show exploring the escapism of queer nightlife during the 80s & early 90s AIDS crisis, through dance and spoken word. Directed by multi-award-winning choreographer Thomas Small and earning the 2024 Creative Award at The Proud Scotland Award, Small Town Boys will be performing its first Press Night at Polo Lounge (8-13 Oct) as part of its Scotland tour.
A young, queer man leaves his small hometown to take refuge in the bright lights and warm embrace of the big city. He finds community and joy in a thriving LGBTQ+ nightlife scene, but soon finds himself navigating a terrifying unfolding health crisis, almost completely ignored by the government. Bringing this pivotal period in history to life in all its joys and tragedies, Small Town Boys also features a Community Cast - a group of local LGBTQ+ volunteers and allies, ranging from experienced dancers to complete newbies taking a chance on dance, to bridge the gap between audience and performance.
Thomas Small, Shaper/Caper Artistic Director, Small Town Boys Director & Choreographer said: "Pushing for silenced LGBTQ+ voices to be heard is at the core of what we want to do with Small Town Boys. Sharing these stories helps us understand and learn from queer history, equipping us better to defend our communities today. Small Town Boys is a scale-up from Shaper/Caper's previous work, with eight dancers, a Community Cast, and an amazing creative team. This has been made possible by Creative Scotland's funding and our partners on the project, so we feel lucky to have that chance to expand. Working with them all has been a really exciting experience, as there's a lot of joy in bringing together a group of wonderful queer people."
Featuring a soundtrack of 80s and early 90s hits, as well as original music by Mark Franks of platinum-selling band the Overtones, audiences will have the chance to relive their own memories of the dance floor, or make some new ones, by boogieing alongside the cast (or just take a backseat and watch, if they'd prefer).
Running time: 75 minutes
This performance takes place off site at the Polo Lounge, 84 Wilson Street, G1 1UZ Audience must be aged 18+ - Polo Lounge operate a Challenge 25 Policy.
