The cast of short film The Good Book is made up of over 100 citizens of Leeds, performing alongside Riana Duce, Angus Imrie and Katie Eldred.
“In a future Leeds, society is divided between loyalists of the powerful Queen Bear and radical followers of Galahad. Avalon is a young woman desperate not to take sides, but as civil war begins she must undertake a dangerous mission to rescue a precious relic from destruction.”
The film begins with an intriguing introduction to the new ruler of the country – Queen Bear. This is where we’re first introduced to a diverse cast of Leeds People’s theatre before we dive straight into the story following Avalon. The entirety of the cast sport the much loved northern accent of one of my favourite West Yorkshire cities, which makes the whole film feel even closer to home. Many of the actors are from the local community, which encapsulates the essence of the production company.
From the outset, the audience feels on edge; nervous, which is echoed throughout the film. We experience the extreme activities of each side of the battle – harmonised choir of the national anthem, punches being thrown in the middle of the locals and even murder and protests. The videography places us in the midst of all the drama, swinging on the swings, receiving the texts on our own screens, or in the centre of the protest itself.
“What do you want with the library? To read a book.” Imagine this being a controversial thing to say. But in the future Leeds, it is. The most tranquil of places surrounded by protesters wanting to burn the books that they themselves don’t believe in. The quiet streets of Leeds are bustling with 100s of citizens firing smoke missiles and throwing burning glass bottles at the opposing side. Our favourite locations turned into a film set, or more so, a war scene.
One main message from The Good Book that I found extremely interesting is that you realise just how dangerous it is not to pick a side. Is doing ‘nothing’ and staying in the middle the wrong thing to do? Is it better to be violent than to be complacent? Is it better to say something than do nothing? These are all topics which are explored throughout the film. Being in the middle ground means you’re completely isolated from society – nobody will have your back and you put yourself in harm’s way. At least, in the political climate of The Good Book.
The relationship between the two main characters is intriguing and slightly confusing. Something I love about the production is resistance of the love story plot line between the two leading characters. “We can be friends though” is not often a line you hear between the lead man and woman. However, there are lies, betrayal and manipulation at the heart of their relationship, as a plot twist changes the whole dynamic.
Fears of civil war rise with an assassination attempt on the queen. In order to stand a chance, Avalon has to retrieve a book from the library, no matter how much danger that may put her in.
Betrayal, murder, anticipation of the unknown and fear are the driving force behind the whole film, until the very end, where hope of change shines through as we see Avalon striding away from the town library surrounded by bodies.
Stream the live premiere of The Good Book on 1st May 2020. It’s an excellent piece of art, which can be left to your own interpretation. Being produced, directed and acted by the local community makes the audience feel extremely involved in the film from the moment it begins.
I’ve never seen another production quite like it and I’m very much looking forward to more productions by the Leeds People’s Theatre.
Watch The Good Book:
Read Paige’s conversation with Riana Duce here.
