St. Ives Youth Theatre - News Release
	Date:	29th February 2008
	Subject	Writers join Youth Theatre for Musical’s first Rehearsal
	Contacts	For press enquiries about St. Ives Youth Theatre, please contact Ian Lloyd on 07803 088185. More information about the St Ives Youth Theatre is available on www.siyt.co.uk

St Ives Youth Theatre began preparations for this summer’s production 'Vision' with writers Jonathan Smith and Dominic Hartley leading the first rehearsal. Vision tells the story of Bernadette of Lourdes like you've never heard it before. Dour, Dusty and Dull ? – Forget it! Punks, Emo’s, Skaters, Goths, Ravers, Indie Chicks, Scene, Shoegazers, Rappers, Chavs, Townies and Wannabes are the order of the day.

On a quiet road in southern France, two teenage hitchhikers are attempting, unsuccessfully, to hitch a ride to the coast. Instead, they stumble on the town of Lourdes and are forced to spend a night there. They are stunned by the buzz of the place. They make enquiries at a local bar and are soon embroiled in the powerful story of Bernadette Soubirous, the fourteen-year old girl who is the source of the town’s success. “Over 8 million people visit Lourdes each year, it’s a place where hope conquers desperation” said Artistic Director Jonathan Salt, “and Vision tells the story of how it all started”. 2008 marks the 150th anniversary of Bernadette’s visions.

The musical, which has showcased in the West End, is a marked departure in style for SIYT, but the writers were impressed. “They’re clearly a talented group” said Dominic Hartley, “It’s always exciting to your work performed” added Jonathan Smith “but this promises to be something special”.

In preparing for previous productions, the group have visited Auschwitz and Treblinka, had tea at Harrods and been to Dartmoor Prison. Obviously, this year’s visit will be to Lourdes to understand Bernadette’s story, how Lourdes has become a place of pilgrimage and what the place is like today.

Photographs of the rehearsal are available and SIYT members can be made available for interview.

Performances will be 15 - 19th July 2008 at the Burgess Hall in St. Ives

More information about the production is available on www.siyt.co.uk/vision.html

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