Dylan Day will be starring in An Image of an Unknown Young Woman at the University of York this December. The performance is part of his final year on the Theatre: Writing, Directing, Performance course at the University of York. Rehearsals started in September and are going well.
Elinor Cook's An Image of an Unknown Young Woman is a gripping political drama that explores the impact of social media, revolution, and identity. Set in an unnamed authoritarian regime, the story unfolds after a video of a young woman being shot at a protest goes viral, sparking mass outrage and uprisings. The play follows various characters—activists, ordinary citizens, and the regime’s operatives—as they confront personal and political dilemmas amid escalating tensions. Cook delves into the complexities of power, media manipulation, and the cost of resistance, raising questions about truth, personal agency, and the influence of digital images in contemporary society.
Dylan Day will be playing A.
Here are some thoughts from Dylan Day on starring in 'Image of an Unknown Young Woman':
A is a demanding role that utilises multi-rolling: I am a protestor, a secretary, a dictator, and even a seven year-old girl. Through explorations in rehearsal, we have asserted that A, B & C are a chorus of some higher power. They are shape-shifters (inspired by the three witches in Macbeth), meaning that my performance is informed as A playing the dictator, for example. To do this, I must be conscious of A's overarching objective, as well as that of the figure whom A is portraying. I relish the challenge that this brings; I am playful and explorational in the rehearsal room.
The directors' vision for the play is physical and expressionist, which has led to a demanding rehearsal process (so far, and it will only increase as we count down to showtime!) Movement has been choreographed in the Scenic Stage theatre - a thrust stage, meaning that we (as actors) are always conscious of needing to articulate to three sides. There will be no hiding. I love the space - it demands dynamism, speed, physicality. The audience can be addressed with real gravity. I can't wait to perform!
An Image of an Unknown Young Woman will be presented at the Scenic Stage, University of York on Thursday 5th and Saturday 7th of December.
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