Article
Creating a new vision for theatre by and for young adults
Contact is one of the UKs leading arts organisations working with young people.
As host theatre for Contacting the World, it aims to create a new vision of theatre by and for young adults (ages 13 +). It is renowned for its commitment to new work, diverse audiences and young people. Bringing together the most exciting artists and companies with the widest range of participants and audiences, it creates dynamic new work that explores and responds to the lives, passions and hopes of todays young people.
Since re-opening after a lottery funded £5 million rebuild in October 1999, Contact has created a new model of practice of what a theatre can be; where equal value is placed on professional productions and participative work. Contact is open and willing to engage with a variety of agencies and organisations to ensure that young people have a strong voice in the community and access to the best work available. Partnerships made have been crucial to the organisation both with the artistic community wishing to attract youth audiences for their work and the statutory and voluntary organisations who wish to work creatively with young people to achieve their educational and social objectives. Current partners include the BBC, Department for Skills and Education, Creative Partnerships and The British Council.
Contact Theatre is a registered charity, the new building is energy efficient and the entire site is fully accessible to staff and visitors.
Contact is supported by the Arts Council of England, the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities, Manchester City Council, Arts Council North West and The University of Manchester
Since re-opening after a lottery funded £5 million rebuild in October 1999, Contact has created a new model of practice of what a theatre can be; where equal value is placed on professional productions and participative work. Contact is open and willing to engage with a variety of agencies and organisations to ensure that young people have a strong voice in the community and access to the best work available. Partnerships made have been crucial to the organisation both with the artistic community wishing to attract youth audiences for their work and the statutory and voluntary organisations who wish to work creatively with young people to achieve their educational and social objectives. Current partners include the BBC, Department for Skills and Education, Creative Partnerships and The British Council.
Contact Theatre is a registered charity, the new building is energy efficient and the entire site is fully accessible to staff and visitors.
Contact is supported by the Arts Council of England, the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities, Manchester City Council, Arts Council North West and The University of Manchester
Author: Helen Love
Works
SHOWS
Production / Performance,
2007
2007 - ´RAW Jam´, an explosive mix of new writing, spoken word, music and raw talent curated by Contact´s guest Writer-in-Residence in the vibrant Contact Lounge.
2007 - ´Live and Direct´,
COAST (Devised)
Directed by Annie George
Its not just any Friday afternoon in Glasgow. Its the day J has to get out of town. K, his half-brother, is going to drive him to London. As they get closer to their destination, they get closer to the truth about their past. Are Js troubles really behind him or are they just beginning?
BABUL AND THE BLUE BEAR
Directed by Keith Saha
Using song, movement, Hip-Hop, spoken Word and puppetry Babul and the Blue Bear explores the themes of cultural identity, divided loyalties, racial tension and a sense of belonging in a multi-cultural Britain.
IRISH PELE by Roy Williams.
Directed by Jonathan Man
Carl and Wayne are two black teenagers, united by their love of football. Irish Pele follows the younger Wayne and the older Carls unfolding friendship, exploring the themes of hope, reality and approval.
Live and Direct is an Arts Council England initiative for emerging black and Asian theatre directors.
PAST PRODUCTIONS INCLUDE:
Skid 180
Whats in the Cat
Smilin Through
Perfect
Bro 9
You Hang Up First
Storm
Somewhere the shadow
Vurt
CO-PRODUCTIONS INCLUDE:
Something Dark in Association with Apples and Snakes
B Like Water in association with Benji Reid
Blind Sight with Unlimited Theatre
White Trash with Quarantine
Captain of England in association with BADP
Dancing within Walls in association with Rasa Productions
Earcandy in association with BBC Radio 4
Once Upon a time in Wigan in association with Urban Expansions
Slamdunk in association with Nitro
Short Cuts in association with Queer Up North
The Dreaming of Bones in association with Red Ladder
EXHIBITIONS
Exhibition / Installation,
2007
2007 - ´Kings and Queens´
Friday 8 December to Wednesday 7 March 10am - 11pm
FREE
An exhibition of psychedelic, nature inspired 2D paintings and drawings, a search for perfection.
Merits
2004 - Arts Council of England Arts Outstanding Achievement Award
2002 - The inaugural TMA Eclipse Award for Cultural Diversity
2000 - Nominated for Stirling RIBA Building of the Year Architectural Award
2000 - Arts Council Breakthrough Award in recognition of the pioneering work achieved with young people
2002 - The inaugural TMA Eclipse Award for Cultural Diversity
2000 - Nominated for Stirling RIBA Building of the Year Architectural Award
2000 - Arts Council Breakthrough Award in recognition of the pioneering work achieved with young people
Projects
This artist took part in the following project(s) organized/funded by the culturebase.net partner institutions.
Contacting the World Street Event
(01 July 06 - 23 July 06)
