Theatre in Schools Scotland returns to Orkney with award-winning show

One of Two by Jack Hunter performed at schools in Kirkwall, Sanday, Westray and Stronsay

An award winning show celebrating disability and diversity has toured four schools in Orkney, in the third year of a Council partnership with Theatre in Schools Scotland - National Theatre of Scotland and Imaginate's successful schools touring project.

Pupils from Papdale Primary School, Sanday Community School, Westray Junior High School and Stronsay Junior High School were wowed by acclaimed live theatre production 'One of Two', a one-man comedy drama about two twins growing up with cerebral palsy: Bec (a wheelchair user) and Jack (who walks with a limp).

Written and performed by Jack Hunter, the visits to Orkney schools were supported by OIC's Arts Development service and NorthLink Ferries.

One of Two is a one-man comedy drama about two twins growing up with cerebral palsy: Bec (a wheelchair user) and Jack (who walks with a limp). Each twin had a very different experience navigating life and school. Jack steps back in time to tell their story - reliving squabbles with his old womb-mate Bec. All whilst battling against societal attitudes and his own emotional darkside: in the form of a well-known disabled Sith Lord. In this true tale of twins growing up, their unique bond is tested as they steer through the trials and tribulations of childhood and school.

Written and performed by Jack Hunter - an award-winning disabled performer, writer and poet originally from Inverness - and directed by Joe Douglas, this autobiographical show with sketch and spoken word celebrates disability and diversity.

It premiered at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2022 in association with Birds of Paradise Theatre Company and has since toured internationally.

Emma Gee is the Council's Arts Officer: "I had the privilege of witnessing One of Two - it's a show that doesn't pull its punches about what living with a disability involves, especially growing up - but it does pull you in both with its humour and its honesty. Seeing a lived experience played out from the perspective of a disabled person is surely a life experience our pupils won't forget in a hurry - I know I won't!"

Councillor Gwenda Shearer is Chair of Education, Leisure and Housing: "This is the third season of Theatre in Schools Scotland productions that our Arts Development team has helped bring to the Junior High Schools in Orkney. This wonderful partnership brings thought provoking drama to our young people - at a time when they're solidifying their values and world view. I'm hopeful this profoundly important story of growing up with disability will leave a lasting mark on our pupils and remind them throughout their lives the power of kindness and inclusivity."

Winner of the Mary Dick Award, 'One of Two' was nominated for Best Production at the Scottish Theatre Awards at the Fringe.

Theatre in Schools Scotland has been bringing theatre and dance performances to Orkney since 2016 and is delighted to be continuing its ongoing relationship with the Islands' schools and Orkney Islands Council Arts Development team. Each school performance is followed by a short Q&A session for pupils, and schools are provided with learning resources.

Julian Almeida, Theatre in Schools Scotland Project Manager said: "This term we are thrilled to be returning to Orkney and the Island's schools with One of Two by Jack Hunter as part of our Theatre in Schools Scotland programme. We believe in the transformative power of theatre to inspire, motivate and challenge young people and we hope that One of Two will offer pupils a unique and enriching perspective on the world and a memorable new creative experience."

Theatre in Schools Scotland, produced by Imaginate and National Theatre of Scotland, brings inspiring live theatre and dance productions, made specially for children and young people, into schools and nurseries. The programme is available for schools to book anywhere in Scotland. More information here: www.theatreinschoolsscotland.co.uk

Theatre in Schools Scotland (TISS) is produced by Imaginate and the National Theatre of Scotland to support and develop the touring of high quality theatre and dance performances to Scotland's schools and nurseries. TISS creates opportunities for schools to host live performances for their pupils with a year-round programme of world-class productions created by Scottish performing companies. The performances are designed specially for school halls and can tour anywhere in Scotland. Bookings are subsidised and TISS works with schools, local authorities, regional promoters, venues and touring networks to develop sustainable partnerships in each area.www.theatreinschoolsscotland.co.uk

Images courtesy of Theatre in Schools Scotland and Kat Gollock.