In a ground-breaking initiative from Ardent Theatre Company, 40 young acting graduates from working class backgrounds across the UK auditioned for the opportunity to become part of the Ardent8 ensemble – an 18-month engagement involving participation in ten industry-led workshops and a two-week London based residency culminating in the production of a new play written for them by Andrew Muir.
In September 2022, the eight selected participants, selected from De Montfort University Leicester, Manchester Metropolitan University and Bournemouth & Poole College took part in the first of 10 workshops.
‘Beyond Ourselves’ is the play created for the Ardent8 Ensemble and written by Andrew Muir, which aims a spotlight on the current state of our creative industry for those young graduates wishing to make a career out of it. The obstacles they face and the drive and determination to overcome them. A dream turned sour and then turned sweet again with the help of a song, a prop and a touch of rouge, this story aims to ignite the flame that is so often blown out.
A group of recent performing arts graduates take over an empty space with the intention of creating something. Anything, it doesn’t matter. A moment that can be shared with an audience if in fact any audience ever turns up to see it. But should that matter? Is art created for an audience or for the artist themselves?
With an Equity agreed paid contract this is a wonderful showcase and opportunity they wouldn’t otherwise get.
Cast:
Jacob Rayner Blair, Callum Diaz, Eddie Drummond, Danielle Laurence, Caoimhe Mackin, Thoma O’Neill, India Pignatiello, Annabel Worsfold.
Creative team:
Director Andrew Muir; Lighting Designer Charlie Speck; Stage Manager Chloe Brown; Social Media Manager Gigi Pacifico.
Ardent says: ‘We believe theatre should be for everyone, irrespective of their background or economic circumstances. We believe artists deserve fair pay based on industry-recognised rates. We believe theatre can be a vehicle for change, where we challenge or deepen our understanding of the world. We believe in bringing outsiders in.’
Read more about Ardent’s mission: https://www.ardenttheatre.co.uk
Union Theatre, 229 Union St, London, SE1 0LX from Tuesday 7 – Sunday 12 November. Times: 7.30pm; Weekend matinees 2pm.
Admission: £10.00 (£8 concs)
Booking: www.uniontheatre.biz
