I’ve just learnt I’ve been awarded one of the final Artists International Development Fund Awards, a jointly funded programme between the British Council and Arts Council England.
The award is to undertake a 3 week research project over 6 months, working towards the development of a new mid-scale touring project (Little Rock) & a smaller scale work (The Glorious Death).
Both projects are being creatively led by Dritero Kasapi, who I worked alongside in the development and delivery of Nina – a story about me and Nina Simone (Unity/Riksteatern). Though very different both projects they combine theatre, music, digital arts and spoken word and bring together international collaborators.
The project will involve 2 key visits, 1 to Sweden (primarily to Stockholm’s Stadsteatern & Malmo City Theatre) and 1 to Sarejevo’s Mess Festival.
Although early days in the development of both projects for UK touring, heres some initial information.
Glorious Death explores Europes past, present and future – from WW2 to Brexit – through the life of Gloria, a story recovered by her son through song, old letters and personal videos (which feature Gloria’s sister, lover, young friend and an immigrant café owner).
A Glorious Death is performed by an older actor/actress, a counter tenor (performing an eclectic soundtrack live) and 4 on screen characters. The piece is performed in alternative spaces – cafes, bars, galleries and we’re looking to tour in March/April 2018.
Little Rock is a new mid scale theatre piece being developed with Malmo City Theatre, inspired by the Little Rock crisis where armed troops blocked young African American children from going to school. 70 years later one of the Little Rock nine recalls what happens, sharing her story with a child little older than she was then. We are planning R&D weeks in Autumn 2018 (Sweden) and Spring (2019) followed by first performances in Malmo in Autumn 2019, and in the UK in Spring 2020.
For more information please don’t hesitate to be in touch:-
Matthew Linley 079897 48350 linleymatt@gmail.com