Premieres of two new works to mark event.
Following The Old Rep’s celebration of original work from female artists last year, New Work Nights returns with a fantastic double bill from Midlands writers for International Women’s Day 2017, Wednesday 8th March.
Save Our School Dinners… Jamie! by Paven Virk (Screen International Stars of Tomorrow, National Theatre, Belgrade Theatre, Tricycle Theatre, Hampstead Theatre) is the showcase of a new comedy-drama about a group of dinner ladies, living in the Midlands but from all over the world, who aim to save the only school in their small community one dinner at a time.
LITE from Mooville Theatre (mac, Birmingham Rep) showcases a 20 minute extract of this new play and a Q&A session about the issues it raises about skin lightening, identity and image. LITE is a multimedia one woman show exploring issues of identity through a young black women’s eyes.
Chris Sudworth, Executive Director at The Old Rep said: “New Work Nights at The Old Rep offer opportunities for Midlands artists to showcase work in development alongside brilliant touring work. It’s fantastic to welcome back companies that tested out ideas last year with complete pieces, ready to premiere. New Work Nights demonstrates The Old Rep’s commitment to supporting and developing local performers, writers and theatre companies and we hope these shows will inspire more local talent to bring new work to the stage.”
Paven Virk, playwright, Save our School Dinners …. Jamie! added: “I’ve recently returned to the Midlands and It feels right that we premiere the full play at The Old Rep as part of International Women’s Day. Last year saw us showcase an extract as part of a New Work Night, which received great audience support, showing there is a need for more diverse work and the event helped develop the final play. Our production is very much, Made in the Midlands, with Kathi Leahy leading a female creative team and strong diverse cast making this a unique production on and off stage”
Marlene McKenzie, playwright and performer LITE said: “We are delighted to be showcasing an extract from our new one woman show as part of New Work Nights at The Old Rep especially on International Women’s Day. The show explores issues relevant to young women from across our city’s communities, and feedback from the show and Q&A session on the night will provide ideas for further developing the piece for our autumn tour.”
For further information about International Women’s Day as part of New Work Nights on Wednesday 8th March, or to book tickets, call the Box Office on 0121 359 9444 (open 11am-6pm Tuesday-Friday, 1pm-6pm Sat) or visit oldreptheatre.co.uk (online booking fee applies).
Performances take place at 1pm and 7pm. Tickets cost £10/8 conc (schools & groups £6).