Sheffield Theatres have announced a showcase of six new works by local artists to premiere online on Wednesday 9 September at 7.45pm. Co-created by the cohort of The Bank, Sheffield Theatres’ talent development programme, these 6 new films feature a cast of northern actors.
The Bank opened in November 2019 as a creative space for local artists and theatre-makers to develop work, skills, and collaborations with the support of staff and creative teams at Sheffield Theatres. The inaugural 14-strong cohort of writers, directors and producers have co-created the showcase, with four produced as short films, by Brett Chapman and Smart Banda, and two presented through Zoom.
Robert Hastie, Artistic Director said:
“We’re proud to share this online showcase from the inaugural cohort of supported artists at The Bank. The launch of the programme last year was a brilliant moment for Sheffield Theatres, being able to provide space and support for the wealth of creative talent in the city. Recent months have presented significant challenges for our industry and I’m delighted that we have been able to maintain and continue to evolve our commitment to talent development throughout this time. 36 artists have been involved in the making of these films; creatives, actors and film makers and it is thrilling to be able to share their work in this way.”
The six experimental new plays have been written by Ella Hardy, Todd Heppenstall, John Hunter, Laura Lindsey, Kat Rose Martin and Tim Norwood. Directors Hassun El-Zafar, John Hunter, John Rwothomack and Elin Schofield are joined by Ben Wilson, Sheffield Theatres’ Agent for Change and Connie Treves, Resident Assistant Director. The showcase has been produced by James Ashfield, Hannah Crawford, Alfie Heffer and Miriam Schechter.
Premiering on Wednesday 9 September on the Sheffield Theatres YouTube channel, the films will then feature on the Sheffield Theatres website as part of the Free Cheers for Sheffield programme. See below for a short synopsis 0n each one.
Close by John Hunter, directed by Nadia Emam. Film by Brett Chapman, featuring Emma Bright and Marc Graham.
On an already strange night, not-quite couple Rhiannon and Joel are forced out into the street by an unidentified agency. Stuck outside with their uptight neighbours, Rhiannon’s forced to face her private fears as something far bigger and frightening starts to happen around them.
Saringard and the Ring of Fire by Tim Norwood, directed by Ben Wilson. Featuring Emily Howlett and Bel Odawa.
A long-suffering mother tries to care for her demanding salamander child. As they snipe back and forth at each other, it becomes clear that they’re inside someone’s head, and their link is more than mother and child. A comical, self-aware drama.
Ally by Laura Lindsay, directed by John Rwothomack. Film by Smart Banda, featuring Eve Cowley and Riana Duce.
Two friends meet for a post-lockdown picnic. It’s their first catch up in real life in months, but the reunion is tense and stilted. Amongst the sausage rolls and sandwiches, something is eating away at their friendship.
Lost Girl by Ella Hardy, directed by Elin Schofield. Film by Brett Chapman, featuring Olivia Rembges and Anyebe Godwin.
It’s 3am, a confusing hour. It’s late, it’s dark, and no-one can sleep. A woman tells her baby a bedtime story – or perhaps, she is re-inventing the story to reassure herself. Lost Girl is a short female-led play exploring grief and responses to loss.
Sandwiches by Todd Heppenstall, directed by Connie Treves. Featuring Tommi Bryson and Paddy Navin.
Nellie and Cop hit it off working at a local community action group during lockdown, but as the lockdown eases, they are both faced with adjusting back to the life they had before, or continuing to build the new relationships they have made.
Children of War by Kat Rose Martin, directed by Hassun El-Zafar. Film by Smart Banda, featuring Eva Scott, Nadia Emam and John Rwothomack.
Hate breeds Hate. 3 children. Different lives. Different worlds. Fighting their own battles. As the fog of war settles, it’s young people that remain – what future will they create if they only know pain?
