Billy
BILLY
Multicultural (French-Italian-English) collaboratory project.
Written by Pete Talman and directed by Chiara Virgilio.
Billy is a two-hander play
asking the question:
how can we
protect children
from
too much online material...
for adults?
This piece explores the impact of negative events on young children's and teenagers’ mental health, examining contemporary themes such as discrimination, war, and global warming from the point of view of a child with SEN.
Research findings of the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee and Ofcom's Children and Parents have highlighted the need for productions that delve into the far-reaching consequences of digital neglect to promote and provoke change.
Our aim for "Billy" is to challenge adult audiences to reconsider their role in creating a world where children can thrive both online and offline.
Trailer
(Paris, May 2024)
"Billy" embraces
the concept of tragicomedy, deftly balancing moments of levity
and laughter
with
instances of
profound tragedy.
It is a dynamic piece of theatre consisting of an eclectic mix of scenes, reflecting the non-linear
thought process of a young boy.
Two actors multirole
in the non-chronological storyline, interpreting both fantastical and realistic characters (including God, a puddle, a teddy bear and the two parents). The two performers share the title role, using physical theatre, mime and movement to create a world that is delicate and both funny and harrowing.
With Billy, the aim is to create a performance that is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining.
Embracing minimalism—eschewing traditional set, props, and costumes—provides us with boundless creative freedom. This approach enables seamless transitions between the fantastical and the realistic, mirroring Billy's own fluid perceptions. It harkens back to a time of childhood innocence, where 'imaginary friends,' 'imaginary weapons,' and 'imaginary stories' reigned supreme.
Through this juxtaposition of imagination
and reality, 'Billy' emerges as a compelling celebration of naivete, and a cry for help in times of crisis.
Cast & Creatives
(20-min R&D)
Cast
Billy / Wes / Serial Killer - Eliot Vincent
Billy / Donna / God - Selena Bijlenga-Kelmachter
Creatives
Directed by Chiara Virgilio
Written by Pete Talman
Created with the creative contributions of Kiren Virdee & Jonny Peyton-Hill
Multicultural collaborative co-production (Italy, France, England).
Thanks to the support of
La Maison Maol, Paris
and
Canole Theatre, Monpazier.