BEATS

Inspired by the birth of rave culture in the 1990s and its subsequent demonization, Beats uses immersive storytelling to explore contemporary society.

In 1994 the Criminal Justice Act effectively outlawed raves, banning public gatherings around amplified music characterised by ‘the emission of a succession of repetitive beats.’Featuring a soundtrack from a live DJ and psychedelic 90s-inspired visuals, Beats tells the story of Johnno McCreadie, a teenager living in a small suburban Scottish town at the time of the Act. Beats is an award-winning new play by Kieran Hurley; a coming-of-age story exploring rebellion, apathy, and the irresistible power of gathered youth.

Beats was the winner of Critics Awards for Theatre in Scotland, as well as the winner of The Arches Platform 18 Behaviour Award 2012.