ARTS DIARY
Masque of Might streaming:
Opera North’s production of the climate-change themed opera Masque of Might is about to be made available as a free stream. Sir David Pountney assembled the opera from the music of Henry Purcell to create a new work, which received its world premiere in Leeds in October. The opera tells an urgently contemporary story of a tyrannical political leader and an impending climate crisis through “recycled” arias and excerpts from throughout Purcell’s career. Staged as part of Opera North’s Green Season, the production itself was conceived and designed to be sustainable, using the Theatre Green Book. Available from 6pm tomorrow on the OperaVision platform. operavision.eu
Supporting new artists:
Sheffield Theatres have announced the ten artists, including writers, producers and directors, who will be supported for the next year as members of the Bank Cohort for 2024. Joining the Writing Group are Mandi Chivasa, Billie Collins and Madeleine Farnhill, who will be supported as they develop new ideas for plays. Joining the Producing Group are Noemi Antonelli, Helen Denning and Ellie Ragdale, who will receive mentoring and seed funding to develop an idea, event or production. In the Directing Group are Edgars Naglis, Yanni Ng, Natalie Simone and Chantell Walker, who will receive masterclasses and mentoring plus the chance to work as an assistant director on a Sheffield Theatres’ production.
Stage for learning: Four leading theatre companies in the North have come together to support young people aged 14-29 as they develop their playwriting skills through workshops, mentoring and masterclasses. Northern Broadsides, Barnsley Civic, Blackpool Grand Theatre and the Customs House have launched a free three-year scheme that aims to create a bold new programme of touring work representing the hopes, frustrations and imaginations of a diverse group of new writers growing up in the North. Creative writing programmes will be delivered by each of the partners, co-ordinated by Northern Broadsides and shaped by playwright Chris Thorpe. Full details on how to apply are on venue websites.