Stage Exposed

Matt TruemanPresident of ETC (Experimental Theatre Club), director and actorSt Peter’s College, 3rd YearWhat is the ETC?The ETC will be seventy next year, and exists to promote the breaking of theatrical conventions of any nature. There is no membership as such, but anyone can become involved simply by expressing an interest. Wwe offer funding and advice, produce our own shows, and organise workshops.How does the ETC differ from other drama groups in Oxford?The ETC is more than just a funding body, but also far more inclusive than a typical production company. Anyone can apply to put on an show; they just need an idea. Most of all, the doesn’t emphasise making a profit, as this stifles creativity and risk-taking.Why did you become involved with the ETC?Personally, I find Oxford theatre is too happy to be safe. Even good shows here can lack imagination and a sense of fun. The ETC seemed to share similar ideas, but by last year it had become nothing but a bank account. As a committee we wanted to take it back to its former glories, and so in Ttrinity we restarted the production side with Ppapercut, a devised piece about self-harm.Why is it important for student theatre to be ‘experimental’?I think all theatre should have some element of being experimental: not necessarily radically so, but as students we have nothing to lose by taking risks, and we should make the most of that.What projects are ETC involved with currently?Shows this term have been adventurous, and pretty successful too. Ii’m most proud to have supported Ttop Gun and The Iinsect Pplay, which combined playfulness and ambition with commercial success. Sstill to come there’s Hhedwig in 8th, and should we find a venue, a one-off ETC extravaganza. Ddespite this term’s setback, Berkoff’s Ddecadence will be coming to one of Oxford’s many beautiful toilets early next term.Sam West is one of your most famous alumni – do you hope to follow him in taking to the stage professionally?Scarily, yes. I doubt Ii’ll make it but take comfort in the fact that, allegedly, Ssam Wwest has a really weak bladder.ARCHIVE: 6th week MT 2005