04 Dec NEWS: Spring Season Announced for Theatre503
Building on the success of their 2014 programme, in which Theatre503 mounted productions receiving over 12 Off West End Award nominations and a Peter Brook Award nomination, the Theatre503 Spring Season is a celebration of new writing. The range of powerful works from exceptional writers across the globe covers topics as diverse as fertility, online identity, slavery and gun crime.
Paul Robinson, Artistic Director of Theatre503, says: ‘We are extremely proud of our Spring 2015 Season. As a venue we are working with more first time writers than ever before. Each of the shows has a connection with the building and all bring to fruition huge investment from 503. Animals will be a particular highlight for me as the first in-‐house show directed by Lisa Cagnacci, my Associate Artistic Director, written by hugely promising Yorkshire based writer Emma Adams. In tough times and when other organisations are shying away from new writing altogether, this coming season epitomises the work we do and why we do it. A current, eclectic and powerful collection of work which we are thrilled to be presenting.’
Highlights of this groundbreaking season, programmed until July 2015, include:
Yorkshire-based Emma Adams’ Animals (Tuesday 7th April – Saturday 2nd May) - a wicked satire set in a world where everyone over 60 is tossed on the scrapheap, children are hothoused and being a ‘burden on society’ is the ultimate crime. Animals is directed by Lisa Cagnacci, Associate Artistic Director of Theatre503.
I and the Village (Tuesday 9th June – Saturday 4th July) is by award-winning playwright Silva Semerciyan (Gather Ye Rosebuds). Shortlised for the Bruntwood Playwriting Prize, this is a coming of age story that asks pointed questions about conformity, dissent and America’s devotion to guns. This world premiere is directed by Robert Shaw Cameron (Birmingham REP & Sheffield Crucible).
Ken Urban’s award-winning Sense of an Ending (Tuesday 12th May - Saturday 6th June) shines a light on journalistic truth and morality amid the atrocity of the Rwandan genocide. Directed by Jonathan O’Boyle, to coincide with the 21st anniversary of the genocide, this striking and compelling political thriller asks if forgiveness is possible in a world framed by journalism where truth is never simple.
And 503Fusions (Wednesday 14th – Saturday 17th January), a unique and experimental series of provocations in which playwrights and theatre-makers are challenged to collaborate, blur boundaries and create fascinating fusions. Writers will collaborate with a director and a musician to create an innovative synthesis of storytelling, spoken word, playwriting, performance and live soundscape scores. Featuring Tommy Sissons and Deanna Rodger among others.
Other works as part of the Spring Season are:
– The Empty Frame (Tuesday 20th January – Saturday 24th January)
– The Separation (Tuesday 27th January – Saturday 21st February)
– Muscovado (Tuesday 24th Feburary – Saturday 7th March)
– Wink (Tuesday 10th March – Saturday 4th April)
Theatre503 prides itself on being the home of groundbreaking plays, staging and producing work that’s game‐changing, relevant, surprising, mischievous, visually thrilling and theatrical, allowing their audiences to reflect on their place in the world. Going into its 33rd year, the theatre is still bursting with possibility and this season highlights the opportunities they provide for high‐quality new writing.
For further information: theatre503.com