In the African bush a hunter is confronted by an angry conservationist armed with a gun. As the poacher pleads for his life, we unravel the complex issues around wildlife conservation in this beautiful but dangerous land.
Albeit that I was fascinated and intrigued by the theme of “SNARED”, I admit I had anticipated something didactic and “worthy”. What I saw was a great play with terrific performances.
Far from being didactic, it presents conflicting attitudes and leaves the audience to feel and think. It is ‘worthy’ only so far as its admirable intention is to spread awareness of a truly tortuous situation. You may well end up wanting to help.
Bill Oddie, OBE.
Birdwatcher and Natural History Presenter.
Cast includes:
Victoria McManus / Suzanne Procter
Manny Mvula
For High Five and Born Free: Dr Cheryl Mvula
Originally produced in partnership with Eastbourne College and The Under Ground Theatre.
LATEST NEWS
Ian Redmond, OBE – Eminent wildlife conservationist, most famous for his work with primates including working with Dian Fossey of ‘Gorillas in the Mist’ fame (Representative of the Born Free Foundation) and Bill Oddie, OBE – birdwatcher, natural history presenter and Patron of the High Five Club charity attended the Gulbenkian performance of SNARED on 13th February 2013 as special guests.
Click on the links to find out more about the fight against Elephant poaching and Rhino poaching.
SNARED 
Albeit that I was fascinated and intrigued by the theme of “SNARED”, I admit I had anticipated something didactic and “worthy”. What I saw was a great play with terrific performances.
Far from being didactic, it presents conflicting attitudes and leaves the audience to feel and think. It is ‘worthy’ only so far as its admirable intention is to spread awareness of a truly tortuous situation. You may well end up wanting to help.
Bill Oddie, OBE.
Birdwatcher and Natural History Presenter.
It is a wonderful evening and an inspiring show performed by people who care…
Whose world is it anyway? One of the oldest questions humankind has ever faced: and the most current. Snared asks it all over again in new and dramatic form.
Simon Barnes of The Times Newspaper.
Virginia McKenna and I attended ‘Snared’ at the Mill Studio in Guildford last week. Wow! A tour de force! So much energy packed into an hour and some deep and challenging issues. Well done to the actors, the director, the production team, the writer – everyone involved.
It seems the world is full of extremes. Those who shoot, kill, main and destroy. Those who justify cruelty and suffering in the name of science. Those who turn away at the first sign of trouble. Those who remain oblivious to reality. No one who sees snared could be left unmoved or ignore the harsh realities it presents.
It deserves a much wider airing (any commissioning editors out there?).
And a special thank you from Born Free which, along with the High Five Club, is a beneficiary of donations from the ‘Snared’ audience. Every little helps and if you would like to find out more then please do go to http://www.bornfree.org.uk
All the best and let’s keep this show on the road!
Will Travers
CEO Born Free Foundation
Had a truly encouraging and heart-breaking evening at the same time on weds at The Gulbenkian, if this is possible. Encouraging as I was among so many people who feel so passionately about conservation and animal welfare, as I do. Often one can feel somewhat isolated if working with relatively few people over long periods of time. Encouraging also in that the production was of such high quality, with brilliant acting, effects that were spot on with the impact they produced and the set stark, which mirrored the emotions that the production evoked. Heart-breaking for obvious reasons – the subject matter. The production gives the opportunity to think more deeply about these issues and it is only in using our intellect that we can attempt to solve them.
For me one of the most poignant moments was when a member of the panel suggested that he thought we may not win the war on species conservation, but we must still fight the battle and not dwell on whether it seems possible to win it or not. I am more optimistic than this, which some people will label as insane, but those fighting this battle who have this attitude are truly brave and more inspiring than I can ever be.
This production needs to be in the West End and reviewed on all the major arts networks.
Conservation needs a new medium to promote itself and I hope this is the begining of something much bigger and global. It deserves a place with the best of them. If you haven’t seen it and care about this amazing planet and its biodiversity, make a date and sit back and prepare to be challenged. You will be changed, shocked and hopefully provoked to action. If you aren’t , then who will be?
Spent Valentine’s Day evening watching a truly stirring production at the Yvonne Arnaud’s Mill Studio – ‘Snared’. Performances Friday 15 and Saturday 16 February at 8.00 pm. Tel 01483 440000. A combination of live action and film, set in Za…mbia’s beautiful Luangwa Valley, ‘Snared’ explores the complex issues around wildlife conservation. To a poor African villager an elephant is ‘vermin’; to a British conservationist saving elephants is about the ‘sanctity of life’. This is strong stuff and one of the most stirring and thought-provoking productions I have seen for a long time. Brilliantly and movingly acted by Philip Poole, Victoria McManus and Manny Mvula; ‘Snared’ is very much about the painful truths and difficult decisions which must be made if we are to save what’s left of the World’s dwindling wild places and its animals. As someone who has had the privilege of visitng Africa several times and been up-close and personal with its wildlife, as well as meeting people of all kinds involved in ‘wildlife work’; I can recommend ‘Snared’ whole-heartedly. http://www.snaredblog.com
Hi Just to say well done for your performance this evening it was very thought provoking. I did go through many emotions whilst watching and afterwards.
Firstly afterwards my gut reaction was depression as I saw no hope for the wildlife in Africa. As an animal lover I hate to see any animal suffering including humans. I hate to see the exploitation of animals to satisfy human greed or twisted egos and understand the need of a local community to develop and protect their livelhood.
It is all a bit of a not in my backyard cenario as other countries have exploited their own resources to extinction so the humans can thrive and have what they want. But in Africa it seems the wildlife and resources are exploited but not to the benefit of the common people. A double wammy of bad. I am hoping that they will find there was life on Mars just like our own and it was destroyed by humans who obliterated the wildlife and the planet died. Perhaps then the people who arent bad but do nothing will realise the options for the future are in their hands.
Perhaps if we restricted reproduction and all lived longer like 200 years we d care more and do more for the next generation.
In the meantime I think your play should be televised!
Tracy Carby
Animal Science Student
Canterbury College.
(Sorry for any spelling mistakes)
The talk back session was great, discussing the issues raised in the first half. This was a rare opportunity to listen to the ideas and expertise shared between the audience and the special guests – wish more time was allowed for this part of the show to discuss in greater depth all the points raised.
Fantastic insight into the plight of Africa’s magnificent animals and the exploitation of the village people.
A very thoughtful play I have recomended it to those I know and will continue to do so.
Well done to all involved in the play and for the sliver of hope you offer with the high five club.
Thank you Jayn. That is very much appreciated.
This looks incredible, I am thirsty to see more!!! Where are you playing next?????
Hi Louise,
Thanks for the enquiry. Our tour begins in earnest on 24th November at the Phoenix Theatre in Bordon. You can find out details (and buy tickets) from the booking page. Introduce yourself if you are able to join us there. Spread the word!
Hi Louise you got to see the drama packed with thought provoking issues and such a debate stimulant. MM
stunning!