Kieron Knights' New Musical, "Hometown", Begins Workshops At English Theatre Warsaw.
A coming-of-age, original story
The idea for "Hometown" originated from Knights' fascination with Wild West culture, where heroes were born and legends were made. Reflecting on his journey, Knights notes, "My love for musicals and the idea of writing my own was daunting yet compelling. I'd always explored various narratives around the concept of 'Home' and its significance, but nothing resonated. It wasn' t until I merged my fascination with the Wild West and the notion of 'Home' that I began to craft the story for 'Hometown'." Knights' primary motivation behind the message of "Hometown" was to address the current social discrimination faced by the LGBTQ+ community, emphasizing that "although the Hometown's specific location is ambiguous, the fact that the story is set in Texas creates an important and interesting juxtaposition " Knights adds, "Hometown is a story that is both timely and timeless."
The Narrative
Set in a conservative Texas town in the present day, the musical follows the journey of young Billy as he navigates the complexities of family feuds, societal expectations, and his own identity. The narrative confronts the prevalence of hate in our current social and economic climate, emphasizing the urgent need for stories that champion unity, acceptance, and the celebration of individuality.
It's a journey into the heartland of the human experience, where the rodeo serves as the landscape for the untamed complexities of life. In a world hungering for stories of hope and resilience, Hometown stands as a testament to the enduring power of musical theatre to inspire, challenge, and unite us all.
Timeline
The musical is currently undergoing initial workshop stages, with plans to premiere in off-West End venues in early 2025. The cast and creative team is yet to be announced.
Źródło: Hometown: A New Musical