Just two women took to a simply devised stage produced by a great crew including director Tuheen Huda, Dramaturgy, Jonathan McGrath, Audio Visual, Richard Ramchurn and Producer, John Leyland.
Transmissions is a newly devised play by Intensive Care Doctor and Theatre Maker Tuheen Huda and it explores the social impact and the science of addiction, substance misuse and recovery set in Salford.
The tale of this immense and current reality begins at a funeral where the beginnings of a love story unfold rather than an account of addiction.
A mourner finds solace in an undertaker and the two women strike up an unlikely friendship which in time blossoms into romance.
The tale of this immense and current reality begins at a funeral where the beginnings of a love story unfold rather than an account of addiction.
Over time they discover traits in each other that they are not comfortable with, not ever really understanding that these habits stem from the same root – addiction.
Small interludes interrupt the narrative introducing two new characters played by the same actors.
In time the audience learns that these two bickering neighbours represent neurotransmitters in the brain rather than neighbourhood foes.
Now (according to Neuroscience for Kids), neurotransmitters are brain chemicals that communicate information throughout the brain and the body. The actors represent the devil and angel versions of neurotransmitters in the battle to accept or fight addiction.
These interludes proved to be the winning feature of the production, not only educational and fascinating but also showcasing the talent of Huda as writer.
The dramatic interpretation of addiction seems to be splashed everywhere from soap storylines to bus stop posters – but what never seems to be explained is why or how.
It is a complex plot to deliver but with the simplicity of the leading storyline exploring the two most common addictions to alcohol and drugs, more time is left for the audience to appreciate the dramatic interpretation of the science.
It’s a skill to write and deliver such a concept and Huda does this seamlessly – or so my neurotransmitters tell me.
A new play by Dr Tuheen Huda
Developed with The Lowry & Manchester Science Festival
