Hampstead Theatre announces three new Hampstead Downstairs productions, the candidates for Inspire: The Next Playwright programme and is pleased to continue its partnership with the Sphinx Theatre Company.
Three New Plays at Hampstead Downstairs
Yous Two by Georgia Christou and directed by Chelsea Walker plays at Hampstead Downstairs from 18 January – 24 February 2018. Fifteen year old Billie has lived with her Dad in their little flat for as long as she can remember, but all that’s about to change. She’s got big plans – get Dad a job, sort out her grades, and live in a house with five bathrooms. But one reckless night threatens to undo all her hard work and derail her ambitions. Yous Two is a moving portrayal of the conflict between personal aspiration and familial responsibility, and what happens when those you should depend on need you more than you need them.
Anna Ledwich directs Acceptance by Amy Ng, running from 2 March – 7 April 2018. Crackling with razor-sharp dialogue, this explosive new play asks whether we can ever escape our past and investigates the destructive side of our search for acceptance … Out of 37,451 applicants to Eliot University, Angela stands out – but not for the right reasons. An ambiguous event in her past threatens to overshadow her talent, potential, and her future prospects. Can she overcome the prejudices of those judging her application or is she already tainted beyond redemption, regardless of whether she is victim or perpetrator?
The Phlebotomist by Ella Road comes to Hampstead Downstairs from 12 April – 19 May. Bea meets Aaron. He’s intelligent, handsome, makes her laugh and, most importantly, has a high rating on his genetic profile. What’s not to like? Meanwhile, Char is on the brink of landing her dream job and has big plans to start a family – but her blood rating threatens it all. In a world where future happiness depends on a single, inescapable blood test – which dictates everything from credit rating to dating prospects – how far will people go to beat the system and let nature take its course?
Inspire: The Next Playwright Programme
Hampstead Theatre’s Inspire: The Next Playwright Programme is a free opportunity for 18 – 25 year-old aspiring playwrights to develop their ideas, talent and craft under the mentorship of award-winning playwright Roy Williams over the course of a year. Hampstead received over 400 applications for this programme and are pleased to announce that the successful applicants are Destinée Bishop, Geraldine Lang, Eno Mfon and Holly Robinson.
Roy Williams comments: “I’m excited and proud to be working with Destinée, Geraldine, Eno and Holly over the next year. If their energy and enthusiasm towards creating fresh, challenging and entertaining theatre is anything to go by, the future of playwriting looks very bright indeed – but this is only as long as we keep investing, protecting and supporting the voices of tomorrow. I met plenty of other talented candidates with the same vigour and wish we could give every aspiring playwright the same opportunity. I’d like to thank Hampstead Theatre, who have always championed new writing, for inviting me to be the first mentor of what I hope, funding permitting, will be an enduring and important contributor to the development of British playwriting.”
Hampstead Theatre reunites with Sphinx Theatre Company
Hampstead Theatre will continue its partnership with Sphinx Theatre Company by hosting several events over the next year, including their acclaimed Women Centre Stage Festival in 2018, to support the company’s important mission in promoting, advocating and inspiring women in the arts.
Starting this November, Sphinx Theatre and The University Women in the Arts will co-host a special event on Saturday 4 November from 11am – 12pm at Hampstead Theatre Downstairs. Sue Parrish, Artistic Director of Sphinx Theatre Company, will offer advice to women wanting to work in the arts and discuss the future of a diverse cultural landscape. Tickets are free and the event is open to any female arts student or woman wanting to work in the arts. Tickets must be pre-booked and can be found here.