University of Salford students explored themes of grief, family dynamics, and memory in a showcase performance of The Memory of Water.
The performance was based on Shelagh Stephenson’s play, with their adaptation following the story of three sisters who reunite after their father’s death.
Throughout the story they face personal struggles that complicate their relationships with one another.
The show was open to the public at the New Adelphi Theatre and allowed guests to come and watch for £3 – the last chance for students to showcase their skills before graduation.
Following the performance, actor Jude O’Dwyer – who played one of the lead roles – spoke on the importance of the production, he said: “It’s a big deal…The final year of our course means a lot to us. For me personally, the performance side is really important as acting is something I want to go into.”
O’Dwyer explained that the cast wanted to choose a play that would challenge them and highlight their acting abilities. “We wanted something gritty and challenging, something we could really sink our teeth into,” he shared.
Without a director, the performance posed a unique challenge compared to others, he continued: “There was no director for us. We were the directors…It was tough, but it also made the experience feel even more rewarding.”
It not only showcased their acting skills, but also demonstrated their ability to manage technical aspects of theatre: a skill that will no doubt serve them all well in the future.
Kessa Asquith who attended the performance was, too, impressed by how the cast conveyed so much emotion in a short 40-minute performance.
Kessa said: “It was impressive how much depth they conveyed in such a short performance, especially considering they had just eight weeks to prepare,”
“You could really tell they thought deeply about their characters… The relationships felt real.”
This performance was more than just an assessment to the cast. O’Dwyer emphasised that, “This is one of the last chances we’ll get to showcase everything we’ve learned.”
He added: “We’ve gained so many skills, and it was great to finally put them all into practice with an audience.”
With the final performance behind them, the cast now looks ahead, ready to take on the professional world of acting with the skills and experiences gained at Salford.
For more information on shows at The New Adelphi Theatre – click here
@salfordnownews One group of third year acting students at the University of Salford gave a public performance as a last opportunity to showcase their skills before graduation. Head to SalfordNow to find out more. #salford #drama #universityofsalford #performingarts #newadelphitheatre #entertainment #arts ♬ original sound – Salford Now
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