Shakespeare North Playhouse on Merseyside has announced its first group of associate artists – creatives who will help to shape the theatre’s vision and artistic programming.
Based at the Prescot venue, the chosen individuals and companies share a passion for Shakespeare’s work and the cultural heritage of the area.
The six will collaborate on projects with the theatre team to create new productions, develop talent, engage with the local community and explore new ways of presenting Shakespeare’s works.
They are Ben Crystal, an actor, author and producer, known for his exploration of original practices in Shakespeare rehearsal and production and the author of Shakespeare on Toast - Getting a Taste for the Bard; Coram Shakespeare Schools Festival, an award-winning cultural education charity and festival organiser that gives young people the confidence to succeed; Graeae, the acclaimed and award-winning theatre company that champions the best in deaf, disabled and neurodivergent talent internationally; Imaginarium, a Prescot-based theatre and community arts organisation that stages spectacular outdoor community productions of Shakespeare and literary classics around the Liverpool city region; Not Too Tame – an award-winning company that specialises in stories celebrating regional identity, and last but not least Shakespeare’s Globe, the world-renowned Thames-side theatre, education centre and cultural landmark in central London.
Laura Collier, the creative director of Shakespeare North Playhouse, said "We're thrilled to welcome these exceptional artists and companies and look forward to the opportunities and ideas their skills and passions will bring. Our associate artists are a key part of our mission to champion diverse voices and perspectives.”
Associate artists: l-r Imaginarium, Not Too Tame, Graeae and Ben Crystal
More info here