Fifth Word Theatre is a performance and arts education company who focus on new writing that is relevant to the modern day. I met up with Co-director Angharad Jones to find out about the company and Painkillers; their new play by Paul Buie, whose wit and intensity explores the psyche of women who kill…

Meredith Wilson said, ‘It’s that fifth word where amateurs start to go wrong.’ By calling the theatre company ‘Fifth Word’ are you trying to show that new writers can be successful?
I don’t think I need to prove that new writers can be successful. The quote is not just about how the fifth word is ‘where amateurs start to go wrong’- and certainly writers are only one aspect of the bright amateur scene. The quote actually states that you can be as good a playwright as Arthur Miller or Eugene O’Neil up until the fifth Word. The first four words are usually ‘Act One, Scene One’ and the fifth word is the where an individual’s input comes in. It is really the starting point. There are so many brilliant, unrecognized writers out there who need the support of local companies… and they give us a chance to interpret their work for the first time so it is a mutually beneficial relationship.

Fifth Word tries to attract new audiences to the theatre. Do you think people go to the theatre less than in the past?
I have to be a bit careful about this, as it is easy to make sweeping generalisations. I can only give you my opinion I think people are going to the theatre less and that is mostly people from my generation. For our generation there is more emphasis on music and film and the theatre is suffering as a medium. This doesn’t need to be the case though and many theatre companies are producing some really experimental and ground shifting work.
The theatres where audiences don’t suffer are those that don’t take as many risks with new work. When you programme a Shakespeare play or Chekhov for example: you’re going to sell tickets; these audiences (another generalisation) usually fall into the 40+ categories. Fifth Word wants to produce work that is up to date and relevant to our generation. We want to challenge those who (rightly so) have preconceived ideas about theatre. This is not a jazz hands performance!

Do you think the East Midlands have a good theatre scene compared to the rest of the UK?
I think its getting better. Having worked in the East Midlands circuit for 5 years I definitely feel a new buzz of activity with people understanding that "the sum of its parts is greater than the whole" I think other cities such as Manchester and London have more companies doing more experimental work and so it’s more accessible and its easier to keep up with the changes. But I do believe, and the same goes for the vibrant Notts music scene- that we have this kind of raw feel to our work in the East Midlands and we’re offering our interpretation to the other regions.

You and Laura Ford, the Co-director of Fifth Word, have performed in Romania and Edinburgh as well as the East Midlands. Where was your favourite place to perform?
Romania was absolutely amazing. We took a play called 4.48 Psychosis by Sarah Kane. It is a dark play about depression. Sarah Kane killed herself shortly after and this was her last work. At that time Romania had only been out of a communist regime for about 13 years and the suicide rate is notoriously high so it was a very poignant piece. We received a standing ovation for the show with many audience members recounting their own stories about how family members had been struck with depression and consequently ended their lives. Also, Edinburgh festival is incredible. It’s absolutely hectic and you’ve never seen marketing like it. It’s like walking on a carpet of flyers.

Fifth Word also provides workshops to help school and community groups. What is involved with this?
We have two strands to the company: our production work and our education work.  We work alongside school pupils, community groups, undergraduates, special needs groups, teachers and youth workers. All our projects are bespoke and address the specific needs of particular groups.

Painkillers is coming to Nottingham in May and involves new media technology. How is this different to a traditional play?
Painkillers blends two mediums to produce a seamless integration of live performance and projection. There are so many new technologies out there that can enhance a trip to the theatre and provide a new experience. This is definitely the way theatre is heading.

Painkillers sounds quite intense. Is it suitable for everyone?
The recommended age is 16 plus. It is not suitable for children! It is intense, in a way, mainly due to the intimacy of two women in one room and the gritty content and lets face it… life is pretty intense!

Do you know what the next project is going to be after Painkillers?
The East Midlands will be the starting point for this show and we are hoping to take it to Edinburgh in August. We will look into the feasibility of extending the tour after piloting it here on home turf.

You are an actor as well as a director; which do you prefer?
This is my directorial debut so ask me after the show!

Do you have anything else to say to Leftlion readers which might persuade them to come and see Painkillers?
Left Lion readers…. Do not miss this opportunity to indulge in a cultured evening, support your local artists, you’ll be out by 9pm and we’ll hope see you down the pub for a pint afterwards!

Painkillers is on at Nottingham Arts Theatre on 5 May and costs £7 or £5 for concessions.

Fifth Word website




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