Last week Edinburgh University Theatre Company’s (EUTC) Candlewasters held their Scratch Night as an opportunity for the current company to showcase snippets of their acts to the rest of the company and see how the scripts and directing choices have evolved.
Ahead of their upcoming showcase, opening the first week of November, I sat down with Scarlett Guang, the Producer, and Hattie Foden-Ellis, Co-Creative Director, to discuss the upcoming showcase.
When asked what drew Foden-Ellis and Guang to Candlewasters, both framed the company as something that pushes you out of your comfort zone: it’s “different compared to the other normal [Bedlam] shows” Guang notes. Fodenellis adds that her experience as an actor for Candlewasters last year has enabled a “fusion of perspectives,” as she takes on the role of Co-Creative Director.
“The real struggle was the casting,” Foden-Ellis confesses. With “such talent to pick from” it was “a hard process.” With an increase in popularity this year, Candlewasters saw a whopping 32 script submissions for a showcase that normally performs just five pieces. Since last year Candlewasters has experienced a “revolutionary rebrand,” Guang adding how “it’s quite overwhelming trying to keep it up.”
It is clear that the executive team feel the weight of maintaining their reputation whilst rethinking the showcase to allow the company to evolve —a tough balancing act. Clearly, they are accomplishing their ambitions. When asked about the aims of this year’s autumn and spring showcases one major priority was to “incorporate the writers more into the company.” Foden-Ellis highlights how “we have achieved that by having more meetings, more socials, and getting directors and writers together.”
At its core Candlewasters strives to build a community. “The dream is for everyone to know everyone” Guang exclaims. “We were trying to avoid having a ‘friendship group’ in Candlewasters” Guang notes, although Foden-Ellis chimes that this friendship group is quite a positive aspect. Candlewasters is unique in that it “gives you the year to get to know them [members of Candlewasters].” Fodenellis explains how the long commitment gives the company a chance to really gel. Guang further underlines that it’s “not just Candlewasters — that’s Bedlam in general: it’s a very close-knit community.” However, there is clearly something to say for Candlewasters prioritising building a community of creatives working so closely together on their unique and diverse projects.
Foden-Ellis highlights an area her Co-Creative director, unable to join us for this discussion, is particularly proud of. “Safa, I know if she was here, she would want me to speak about this. Last year, one of the things she found most refreshing about Candlewasters was the ethnic diversity within the company.” Foden-Ellis goes on to underline how “Edinburgh generally is a very white space and so that was important to her[…] and was something we wanted to do our best to continue [ensuring the company reflected a wide range of ethnic diversity].” This is clearly important for the executives to ensure the company’s ethos continues to champion diversity.
Moving onto the showcase itself I was curious as to whether Guang and Foden-Ellis had a particular piece they were most excited to see. Foden-Ellis discusses her pick with great enthusiasm: “‘I’m Gay written by Cyrus Tsang. Why did I love that piece?” explaining “they [the cast] were just fantastic — it’s a piece going through all the scenarios of how a boy can come out to his parents. That sounds like it could be quite serious and quite traumatic, but really, it’s actually a very, very funny piece. The acting’s very good, and it’s been directed very well.” Guang nods before discussing her piece of choice “Purgatory (Ciara Martinolli) directed by Finlay Clench” Guang explains as the producer she reads all the scripts and this was the only piece that stumped her. “I wouldn’t know how to direct that […] so I’m very excited to see what Finlay can achieve and I’ve heard very good things.”
Finally, the discussion turns towards the Spring Showcase later in the year and chances to get involved with Candlewasters. “Assistants for stage and costume applications will be open” and “keep your eyes on our Instagram for further roles or workshops,” Foden-Ellis urges. If you are intrigued to join the Candlewasters Company, there is still the opportunity to write your own script for the Spring showcase. Submissions will open towards the end of January so “get those pens moving!” Guang chips in.
I’d highly recommend attending the Autumn Showcase to see the incredible acts and to get a real taste of the Candlewasters company. With ticket prices in the words of Guang like “Bedlam shows five years ago before inflation,” what better way to spend a cold Edinburgh evening?
Edinburgh University Theatre Company’s Candlewasters Autumn Showcase runs from 4 – 6 November at the Bedlam Theatre. Book tickets here.
Image by Emelia (@emeliafrances_) provided to The Student as initial press material
