Why We Make Things

Episode 9: Polka Theatre- Helen Matravers

Helen and Nikki talk about Helen's ambitions for Polka Theatre, the breadth of work they produce, and how children's voices are at the heart of what they do. 
 
Polka Theatre Website
 

Episode 8: Filskit Theatre - Sarah Shephard

Sara Shephard, Co-Artistic Director, Performer & Producer for Filskit Theatre, chats about the origins of the company, the importance of seeing international work, and delves into their work for early years children.  
Rose Bruford College - European Theatre Arts BA Hons 
Filskit Theatre Company 
The Feather Catcher | Filskit Theatre 
Kaleidoscope | Filskit Theatre 
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About Sarah 
Sarah trained in European Theatre Arts at Rose Bruford College and is one of the founding members of Filskit Theatre, who specialise in creating work for early years children and their families 
She is a Co-Artistic Director, Performer and Producer for Filskit and has directed and produced work such Kaleidoscope for babies aged 6-18 months and Huddle, a Co-Production with Unicorn Theatre and winner of the Off West End award for Best Performance for 0-7 year olds. 
Since becoming a parent Sarah divides her time between performing and directing for the company. She is also a visiting Lecturer at Rose Bruford College and works as a freelance Dramaturg, Director and Producer. 
 

Episode 7: Asif Khan

Asif Khan and Nikki talk about his play Jabala and the Jinn and the process behind it, as well as the importance of representation in theatre for young people.
Asif’s website 
Jabala and the Jinn
Interview: Asif Khan on Jabala and the Jinn at Lyric Hammersmith and on Tour
Rosamunde Hutt
Nona Shephard
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About Asif
Asif is a writer and actor, born in Bradford, and trained at RADA.  
As an actor, he has appeared regularly on tv and at theatres, including at The National, The Royal Court, and with the RSC. 
His multi award winning debut play Combustion toured the UK in 2017. In 2019, his play Imaam Imraan was produced by the National Youth Theatre. He is also a Tamasha Theatre Alumnus, with whom he has developed two plays for teenagers.  
On top of that, in 2015 Asif set up AIK Productions which aim to produce new, high quality theatre, specialising in stories and voices from minority backgrounds. Shows produced by AIK include Combustion, Love Bombs & Apples and, most recently, his children’s play Jabala And The Jinn.  

Episode 6: Sarah Argent

Nikki, and award-winning freelance Director, Devisor and Writer, Sarah Argent, think about what they wish for in the making of work for young people. 
More about Vivian Gussin Paley 
Imaginate Homepage 
Theatre Artemis – The Invisible Man  
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Episode 5: Forest of Imagination - Penny Hay

For this episode Nikki speaks to Artist, Educator and Researcher, Dr. Penny Hay. This conversation touches on Penny's exciting collaborative project, Forest of Imagination, which will be taking place this June and July, as well as delving into ideas around children as artists and the important role of creativity in our society. 
See links from this conversation below:
Andrew Grant Super Trees
Forest of Imagination Home Page
Living Tree, at The Egg
Living Tree, Mirror Maze
Film about Living Tree
Joseph Beuys
House of Imagination
Ken Robinson
Ken Robinson: Do schools kill creativity?
‘Children Are Artists’ by Penny Hay
‘Steps to an Ecology of Mind’
School Without Walls
Researching Children, Researching the world
 
If you have any suggestions for future guests, let us know here.

Episode 4: Company Three - Amber Ruby

Nikki sits down with Amber Ruby, one of the Associate Artists at Company Three, to talk about what a usual week looks like at this inspiring company.
Amber is a Writer, Director and Associate Artist at Company Three, and has recently become an Associate artist for Outbox theatre.
Company Three is a leading force for change for teenagers in their local community and around the world. They are a theatre company led by the ideas of their 75 members aged 11-19. They recruit members through deep-rooted relationships locally and share their practice globally to impact teenagers everywhere.
Working in Islington, North London, Company Three make transformative theatre through long-term collaboration between young people and professional theatre-makers. Their plays have been performed at the National Theatre, Battersea Arts Centre, the Royal Exchange Theatre, the Yard Theatre and on the BBC.
Their awards include the Peter Brook Empty Space Award for Innovation, the Stage Award for Community Project of the Year and Outstanding Drama Initiative at the Music and Drama Education Awards.
 
 
Why We Make Things: Main Page
Company Three Website

Episode 3: Oily Cart - Ellie Griffiths

Nikki and Ellie chat about Oily Cart’s work and the value of sensory theatre for all.
 
Ellie Griffiths is the Artistic Director of Oily Cart. Ellie comes with a national and growing international reputation as one of the most exciting makers of performance for children and young people with PMLD and for those on the Autism Spectrum.
Oily Cart reimagines theatre to include all young people. They create interactive, sensory shows that tour across the UK and internationally. Performances use sounds, smells, touch, lights, music and movement, and can take place on a stage, a trampoline, or even up in the air. All their work is made for and with children and young people, regardless of their age or perceived ability.
 
Why We Make Things: Main Page
Oily Cart Website

Episode 2: Theatre Rites - Sue Buckmaster and Ingrid Hu

Nikki, Sue and Ingrid talk about their first experiences of theatre and performance, and deep dive into The Global Playground by Theatre Rites. 
Dr Sue Buckmaster is the Artistic Director of Theatre-Rites, a puppetry expert and the fourth generation of theatre practitioners in her family.
Ingrid Hu is a scenographer, designer and artist working in theatre and multidisciplinary design in the UK and internationally. She worked on Theatre Rites' 'The Global Playground' as the Designer. 
Why We Make Things: Main Page
Theatre Rites Website
About 'The Global Playground'
'The Global Playground' trailer 
More about Sue Buckmaster
More about Ingrid Hu

Episode 1: Sarah Brigham and Lyn Gardner

Nikki, Sarah and Lyn talk about the perception of performance for young audiences in the industry and ways to effectively galvanise.
 
Sarah Brigham is the Artistic Director and CEO of Derby Theatre.
Lyn Gardner is a theatre critic, associate editor of The Stage and a children’s author.
Why We Make Things: Main Page
Lyn Gardner: Theatre professionals who devalue kids’ theatre need to grow up (thestage.co.uk)
Lyn Gardner: Michael Billington says education projects are subordinate – here's a lesson for him (thestage.co.uk)
Sarah’s tweet that inspired this converastion