The Bush Young Companies, for ages 14-17 and 18-25 are an initiative developed during the pandemic. The companies, free to participants and comprising 70% West Londoners reflect the Bush Theatre’s commitment to local life and developing artists of the future making them ‘centre stage’ in their artistic programming and commissioning young writers for their main stage.
This August, the 14-17 company will perform HORIZON, a specially commissioned work and the 18-25 company make their debut appearance on the Bush’s main stage with ANTHEM, a new production devised alongside director and theatre-maker Katie Greenall (Back Up!).
Actor Malachi Kirby supports the company which helps expand the skills of the young participants. He said, ‘The work of the Bush Young Company is an amazing opportunity for young people to make their mark in theatre and to participate in productions relevant to them. They’re also developing the artists of the future, both on and off-stage”.
Also in August, a day of workshops will offer the opportunity for local people to learn more about the 14 – 17 Young Company and the Bush Theatre’s Neighbourhood Company with a view to taking part in future productions.
A Bush Community Production from the 14-17 Bush Young Company
HORIZON
Written by Kwame Owusu
Directed by Abigail Sol
Designed by Peter Butler
11- 13 August at 7.30 pm
Saturday matinee at 2.30 pm
‘The sky set on fire, and I can feel the light in my bones.’
When a mysterious cosmic event hits, a group of unsuspecting teenagers are suddenly granted superpowers and together they must work out what to do with their newfound abilities. But quickly, their new world of endless possibilities starts to crumble as trust is shaken, lines are drawn and conflicts erupt.
As the group clash, an ominous threat looms closer and closer, forcing them to fight for their survival. Sure to keep you on the edge of your seat, HORIZON is a thrilling, witty, superhuman coming of age story about the quest to find your place in the world.
The 14-17 Bush Young Company’s second production follows their main house debut with Back Up! last summer. A new Bush commission written by recent Bush Emerging Writers’ Group member Kwame Owusu and directed by Abigail Sol (babirye bukilwa’s Les Be Anne, Young Vic).
Pay What You Decide tickets can be booked at bushtheatre.co.uk or at the Box Office on 020 8743 5050.
A Bush Community Production from the 18-25 Bush Young Company
ANTHEM
Created by 18-25 Young Company and Katie Greenall
Directed by Katie Greenall
Designed by Peter Butler
23 – 27 August at 7.30 pm
Press Night – 24 August at 7.30 pm
What is a prayer we can party to?
You know how a proper anthem makes you feel. As soon as that track comes on – your body starts moving and your soul kind of soars. ANTHEM invites you to join the best party you never went to.
Full of music, dancing, and glimpses of parties and protests and prayer, the private and the political come into riotous conversation to beg the question, how do we pull ourselves and each other through the chaos and the calm?
ANTHEM is the new production from the 18-25 Bush Young Company about speaking truth to power, be it quietly or boisterously. Their explosive debut on the Bush’s main stage offers the chance to see the next generation of theatre-makers stake their claim. Directed by Katie Greenall (Back Up!, Bush Theatre).
Pay What You Decide tickets can be booked at bushtheatre.co.uk or at the Box Office on 020 8743 5050.
Holly Smith, Community Producer said, ‘Platforming the voices and experiences of our creative local community in West London and developing their talent alongside exciting artistic collaborators is key to the work of the Bush Theatre. We’re thrilled to be throwing open our doors for a day of workshops, showcasing our work and how you can get involved’.
Open Day Workshops: Bush Young Company 14 – 17
Saturday 13 August, 12.30pm – 2pm and 5.30pm – 7pm
Are you a Young Artist based in West London? Whether you’ve got lots of experience or are just getting started, the Bush want to meet you.
Join a special taster workshop where you will meet the Bush Team, try out games and drama activities from their weekly sessions, and ask any questions you have about joining the Young Company.
Participants will also be invited to watch the Young Company’s summer performance on the main stage after the workshop.
‘This is my first year at BYC and I have grown in self-confidence hugely. I have more trust in myself…’ – Tabby
To express interest in joining the workshop, please complete the form at bushtheatre.co.uk
Open Day Workshops: Neighbourhood Company
Saturday 13 August, 11am – 1pm & 3pm – 5pm
Are you interested in theatre-making and meeting new people from your local area?
Join a special taster workshop where you will meet the Bush Team, try out games and drama activities from their weekly sessions, and ask any questions you have about joining the Neighbourhood Company. The group is for adults living/working/studying in West London only and is not for professional actors or those working within the industry
“Neighbourhood Company benefits me in several ways. First in giving me a whole new lot of friends who are really supportive. Second, a regular structure in my life. Third, the chance to do something creative and empowering.” – Crystal
To express interest in joining the workshop, please complete the form at bushtheatre.co.uk.
