Postgraduate Directing & Theatre Making students present Bunch of Plays at Arc Stockton Arts Centre
The Northern School of Art MA Directing & Theatre Making students present A Bunch of Plays, six original production across three nights at The Arc, Stockton Arts Centre. The works look at a variety of different styles and themes including grief, power, friendship and war. This is the culmination of our students’ hard work over the academic year, they have been developing these pieces since September. The pieces feature performances from our BA Acting for Stage & Screen students and are being supported technically by students and recent graduates from our BA Film, TV & Theatre Production.
Jonny Bussell Senior Lecturer for Acting said ‘It is a really exciting week of theatre where our students get to present pieces they have been working on since the start of the year. The pieces are really varied in style an content, showcasing the students’ directorial vision. We are really thankful of ARC letting us present these pieces over the course of the week.’
When asked about his play, Shaun Wilson, 22, From Leeds, director and writer of World War Why? said “World War Why? Is an Absurdist Satirical Piece of Theatre Showcasing the absurdity of how lifestyles can differ through the abuse of power. This is explored through comedic moments but the gut-wrenching reality of war itself. The play is set in a war between right-handed and left-handed people. It has been a really fun and interesting play to write and direct, figuring out where comedy should be included and where the peaks and troughs are. Integrating comedy through tragedy is a big part of this absurdist play. The play premieres at ARC Stockton on the 25th of June at 7pm as a apart of the schools production A bunch of plays, and then it will be going to Durham fringe on the 29th and 30th of July at the city theatre.”
On the MA Directing & Theatre-Making students explore and manage the entire directing process. From planning and prep work, through the rehearsal process to the final performance. The focus of this postgraduate degree is the development of your directorial skill-set and style – whether that be in creating new work or in exciting and innovative interpretations of existing plays, plays showcase. Lecturer Jonny Bussell commented “It has been really exciting to see how the students have developed as Director’s and theatre-makers utilising skills they have gained over the programme. Recent alumni have gone on to work with Live Theatre, ARC and Theatre Clwyd so we are really excited to see what this cohort go on to achieve after graduation.”
Shaun continued ‘With my 4 years at NSOA I’ve learnt many practical and networking skills that are going to help me create links in the industry, which i have already made a few strong ones with my time here which I will look to push further post-graduation. I will continue to push for jobs and opportunities in the 3 different mediums I have been taught, acting writing and directing.’
Full details of the programme can be found on our Theatre Productions page and on the ARC’s website. All tickets are Pay What You Decide and can be booked here: A Bunch of Plays @ ARC 23rd-25th June
