World Festival of Theatre for Children and Young People comes to Birmingham.
Birmingham is set to host the 2016 World Festival of Theatre for Young Audiences this July. Hosted by the UK and Ireland for the first time, ON THE EDGE brings the best and most imaginative international theatre for children, young people and their families to the city.
Featuring 16 shows by artists from 14 countries, including the UK, Ireland, Belgium, Burkina Faso, Australia and South Korea, the festival takes place from 2nd–9th July in theatres and venues across Birmingham, with Birmingham Repertory Theatre as the main festival hub. Children are at the heart of the festival programme and the eight days will see events spanning theatre, dance and workshops for all ages.
The World Festival of Theatre for Young Audiences is an annual event that takes place in a different international city each year. ON THE EDGE, organised by Theatre for Young Audiences UK and Theatre for Young Audiences Ireland, will offer innovative, inspirational and high quality shows for over 10,000 young people, families and schools.
Steve Ball, Executive Producer for ON THE EDGE said: “ON THE EDGE will show that theatre for young audiences can be more than a fairytale, favourite book or bankable brand brought to life on stage. The brilliant imaginations of the companies and artists involved in the festival will show just how joyful and enthralling theatre for young people can be. We have bold productions about adolescence, playful shows for the very young and more sensory adventures for those with profound and multiple learning difficulties.
“The title of our festival – ON THE EDGE – refers not just to our geographical position in Europe, but also in the sense that we are at the cutting edge: striving to push the boundaries of innovation and poised to achieve the international recognition it deserves. We hope audiences will be as excited about the programme on offer as we are.”
Surrounding the packed programme of shows is an extensive programme of workshops, events and discussions about theatre for young audiences for those that work in the theatre industry. In addition to families and schools audiences, the festival is expected to attract around 500 international visitors to discuss and explore how theatre can continue to strive and push boundaries for future young audiences and also to encourage international exchange and collaboration.
ON THE EDGE is produced by Theatre for Young Audiences UK and Theatre for Young Audiences Ireland and is the ASSITEJ Artistic Gathering 2016 – ASSITEJ is the global organisation promoting theatre and performance for young audiences.
For full listings and tickets visit www.ontheedge2016.com