NATIONAL Theatre of Scotland associate director, John Tiffany, is curating Emerge, an evening of work from emerging artists and new directors at the Citizens Theatre, Glasgow, on 26 January at 6pm.
The National Theatre of Scotland currently has seven emerging artists on attachment, supported by Bank of Scotland.
In the first of a series of intimate events, these artists are willing to share their work at its earliest stage and talk about their experiences on attachment.
This year, the writers and directors are: Alan Bissett, Amanda Gaughan, Ross Mackay, Amanda Monfrooe, Stef Smith, Molly Taylor and Jenna Watt.
Audiences are invited to join the artistic development team and artists at the Citizen’s Theatre, to sample the work, express their opinions and have a cup of tea afterwards. This series of events is supported by the Citizens Theatre.
The night will see all seven artists on attachment present their work. A filmed extract will be shown of Alan Bissett’s new play Red Hourglass, a love story from the perspective of a pet tarantula performed by Alan; Stef Smith will work alongside new director, Jenna Watt, to present an extract from Stef’s Colour Me Real about second-hand books and the stories they reveal about who we are; Amanda Monfrooe will direct an extract from her new play Dog Eat Dog, a surreal take on war and Molly Taylor will present a new short play about the myriad beginnings of life directed by Amanda Gaughan.
New Directors Programme Biogs
Amanda Gaughan previously worked as a trainee director at the Citizens Theatre, Glasgow. Amanda has also directed work at the Arches and the Tron.
Ross Mackay recently worked on the National Theatre of Scotland’s production of A Christmas Carol.
Jenna Watt is a director and live artist and, under the Pioneering Partnership, worked alongside Vicky Featherstone on 27.
Emerging Artists Programme Biogs
Alan Bissett recently won the Scottish Writer of the Year at the Glenfiddich Spirit of Scotland Awards. He is the author of a number of novels, including Pack Men, Boyracers, The Incredible Adam Spark and Death of a Ladies’ Man.
Recently Alan adapted the Venezuelan play The Confidant by Gilberto Pinto for the National Theatre of Scotland’s International Play, Pie and a Pint season at Oran Mor in Glasgow and The Traverse, Edinburgh.
Amanda Monfrooe is an American writer, director, and performer based in Glasgow. Amanda has worked in Chicago as a designer, director, and actor with new writing companies Polarity Ensemble Theatre and Hypatia Theatre Company.
Stef Smith has worked as a director and writer. She wrote the critically-acclaimed RoadKill (Fringe 2010, 2011). Stef also writes for BBC Radio Drama and most recently wrote a play for BBC Scotland entitled Tea and Symmetry.
Molly Taylor is an actor who has recently begun writing and performing her own work. For the National Theatre of Scotland she recently wrote and performed, to great critical acclaim, her second piece Love Letters to the Public Transport System.
Venue: Circle Studio, Citizens Theatre, Glasgow
Dates & times: 26 January at 6pm
Ticket prices: Free but ticketed
Booking number: 0141 429 0022
Online booking: www.citz.co.uk
Vicky Featherstone, artistic director, National Theatre of Scotland, said: “The National Theatre of Scotland’s success over the last five years has been built on the talent of Scottish artists.
“This extraordinary Pioneering Partnership with Bank of Scotland ensures we can continue to develop the unrivalled talent we discover as we travel throughout the country.
“It enables Scotland to retain and build on its growing national and international reputation for being cultural leaders and to give audiences the length and breadth of the land exceptional life-changing experiences.”
Susan Rice, managing director, Lloyds Banking Group Scotland says: “Bank of Scotland is absolutely delighted to be supporting both the National Theatre of Scotland’s New Directors scheme and the Emerging Artists initiative.
“The programmes embody the Bank’s aim of nurturing and developing talent in Scotland and are at the heart of our Pioneering Partnership with the National Theatre of Scotland.
“These talented young directors and artists have a unique opportunity to learn from some of Scotland’s finest theatre practitioners to develop their skills and ideas and we are looking forward to seeing the results.”
FOR FURTHER PRESS INFO/IMAGES/INTERVIEWS/FOOTAGE, CONTACT:
Emma Schad, Press Manager
Tel: +44 (0)141 227 9016 E: emma.schad@nationaltheatrescotland.com
Andrew Neilson, Press Officer
Tel: +44 (0) 141 227 9497 E: andrew.neilson@nationaltheatrescotland.com
NOTES TO EDITORS:
1. The National Theatre of Scotland is supported by the Scottish Government. Since its launch in February 2006, the National Theatre of Scotland has been involved in creating over 137 productions in 125 different locations.
With no building of its own, the company takes theatre all over Scotland and beyond, working with existing and new venues and companies to create and tour theatre of the highest quality.
It takes place in the great buildings of Scotland, but also in site-specific locations, airports and tower blocks, community halls and drill halls, ferries and forests.
The company has performed to almost 600,000 people, across three continents.
2. Bank of Scotland is a long-standing supporter of sports and the arts in Scotland.
Through their sponsorships they aim to support emerging talent across Scotland.
Bank of Scotland currently has partnerships with a wide range of Scottish sporting and cultural bodies including Imaginate, the Edinburgh International Festival, the Scottish Football Association and the Great Scottish Run.
As part of the Lloyds Banking Group, Bank of Scotland is a Proud Partner for Scotland for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Their mission is to inspire and support young people, colleagues, communities and businesses across Scotland all the way to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and beyond, through cultural and sporting activities.
3. We would like to make a request for your support: Corporate sponsorship of the National Theatre of Scotland is crucial to its future. As arts supporters yourselves we hope you will help us in maintaining this important portion of our income and healthy relationships with sponsors by mentioning them in your coverage.
This makes a real difference to the National Theatre of Scotland.
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Contact: Andrew Neilson
Phone: 447912540139
Email: andrew.neilson@nationaltheatrescotland.com
Website: http://www.nationaltheatrescotland.com
