A brand new play set on Dartmoor during the Roman occupation is showcasing the writing talents of three young people from the moorland community. 'Cassiterides – The Romans on Dartmoor' is the latest production from MED Theatre, a community company based in the national park. Performed by a community cast of 35 and featuring an original musical score, the play was written by Dan Rayner (20), Daisy Martinez (17), and Laura Wilson (16), in collaboration with professional playwright and MED Theatre Artistic Director Mark Beeson. Although these three young people have been involved with MED Theatre since primary school, this is the first time they have worked as equal partners with an established playwright.
 | | Love scene with Cynthia and Belarion |
Having researched and written the script, Dan, Daisy and Laura then stepped into the rehearsal process, performing alongside the rest of the cast. "Cassiterides has been a fantastic experience for all three of us," said Daisy. "We've been given the opportunity to experiment with our own artistic ideas in both writing and directing, with support and advice from Mark. "Seeing the finished product performed by the company has given us a massive sense of achievement, and brought the play to life." Set at the end of the Roman occupation of Britain when wolves still prowled, the play tells the story of Emrys, a local warlord who owns the Dartmoor tin mines and Gaius, the Roman who governs the area. The tension of the political struggle is heightened by a lyrical and passionate love affair between their two children, Cynthia and Belarion.
 | | The play features a cast from the local |
The production also features an original musical score by Jessica Avis, another young artist who has come up through MED Theatre. Even the floor canvas for the set, which is in the round, has been painted by local artist Claire Smith, based on Romano-British mosaics. Although MED Theatre is dedicated to creating works that explore Dartmoor themes and engage local artists, Cassiterides provides an opportunity for the company to bring this production to the wider community. During its tour of Devon, the company will lead drama workshops at West Exe Technology College and the University of Exeter. These workshops build on the work in schools and educational theatre projects that MED Theatre has been delivering since 1991. Cassiterides tour dates: Friday 9/Saturday 10 March - Manaton Parish Hall
Wednesday 14 March: Carmel Church, Plymouth
Friday 16/Saturday 17 March - Moretonhampstead Parish Hall Tickets £7 for Adults, £5 for Concessions and £3.50 for 18s and under from MED Theatre on 01647 441356, or booked online at the website www.medtheatre.co.uk | 
