ON THE EDGE
ASSITEJ Artistic Gathering
Birmingham, UK 2nd – 9th July 2016
ON THE EDGE 2016 will feature performances by up to 18 inspirational companies from the UK, Ireland, and across the world. There will also be the Next Generation programme for emerging TYA artists, the Symposia on cutting edge practice and research, a host of social events, and a scratch programme to showcase new work.
The exciting performance programme will include:
Seydou Boro Company: Why do hyenas have shorter back legs than front legs and why do monkeys have bare bottoms? (4+)
A popular tale from Burkina Faso about authority, cunning, conceitedness and consequences is brought to life by five dancers within a beautiful African-inspired set. Conceived to entertain and teach, the story has a powerful emotional and philosophical force. Journey through this magical wild world, where it all begins with “Once upon a time…”!
Theatre Lovett: A Feast of Bones (9+)
A Feast of Bones is a musical fable from Theatre Lovett. Featuring live music and an original score, they bring their characteristic edginess to Walter de la Mare’s retelling of the classic tale of Henny Penny. Theatre Lovett are celebrated for producing work for young and old that can amuse, involve and sometimes scare.
New International Encounter: Pim & Theo (13+)
Pim & Theo is an immersive theatre performance based on the very different but oddly linked lives of Theo Van Gogh and Pim Fortuyn – two Dutch political and public figures with contrasting views and agendas who were both murdered in public by extremists. It surrounds the audience, happening in and amongst them. Pim & Theo tackles themes of life and death in public, regret, recrimination, blame and blood….
More shows will be announced in the coming weeks and ticket packages will go on sale in January 2016.
We are also pleased to announce the first of our Next Generation participants from the UK and Ireland. The competition for this programme has been fierce, but we can now reveal that the first nine participants are:
• Catherine Boot (circus maker)
• Evie Filea (teacher)
• Sarah Hope Morrisey (actor)
• Niamh NiChonchubhair (producer)
• Emma Jayne Park (dancer)
• Samantha Porciello (theatremaker)
• Kirsty Roberts (designer)
• Stacey Sampson (writer)
• Katy Weir (director)
In July, these artists will join together with peers from around the world to participate in workshops, seminars and masterclasses from leading industry professionals and engage with some of the best theatre for young audiences. They will also become part of a growing global community of Next Generation alumni.
We look forward to announcing the rest of the Next Generation 2016 cohort from around the world in the New Year!
