The winners of the Old Vic New Voices Theatre503 Award will be extending their new year celebrations to the end of this month, when their shows are given a limited run at Clapham’s Theatre503. Jennifer Tuckett’s I Am A Superhero opens on 15 January and is followed by Creased’s Mad Funny Just on 22 January.
This is the first year that Theatre503, which specialises in new writing, has collaborated with the Old Vic to offer promising young theatre practitioners the chance to bring their productions to the stage. The theatre, previously known as the Latchmere, has won the Peter Brook Empty Space Award and was nominated for a Time Out Live Award in 2006.
Both plays examine the effect of a death. Tuckett’s I Am A Superhero follows 12 year old Yasmin who, when her father dies, sets out on a mission to bring her family back together. Theatre collective Creased’s Mad Funny Just explores how one person’s death affects those who knew her and those who didn’t.
The New Voices Award is an extension of the Old Vic New Voices club, which works with more than 5,000 young and aspiring actors, writers, directors and producers each year, offering both creative and professional assistance, guidance and advice.
Speaking about the project, Kevin Spacey, Artistic Director of the Old Vic, said: “The shows presented at Theatre503 are the result of work that we at The Old Vic believe in passionately – the nurturing and encouragement of the next generation of theatrical talent. This year, we strengthened the Award offer further by augmenting the fund to £8,000 and partnering with Theatre503. This pooling of resources has allowed us to offer young practitioners an unrivalled opportunity to present fresh, relevant, excellent work at a leading new writing venue.”
The winner of the 2006 New Voices Award, Mike Bartlett’s Artefacts, the tale of a family reunion that leads to an epic journey, is staged at the Bush in February.
MA