Theatre / News
Bristol Old Vic artistic director Nancy Medina commits to new writing
Nancy Medina has set out her stall to support the development of new British writing.
At the end of her first year as Bristol Old Vic artistic director, Medina has announced a new initiative that will make a five-year commitment to three writers.
A dedicated literary department will also be returning to the King Street theatre, focusing on supporting writers, stories and script development.
is needed now More than ever
Medina said: “Theatres have been managing through constant crises for the last four years.
“Funding cuts, the legacy of the pandemic and the increased costs of making work have chipped away at the sector’s appetite for risk and our ability to commit to new writing – the very life blood of what we do.
“In 20 years’ time, we don’t want to be looking back asking where all the new British plays are.
“So we are intentionally refocusing our support on writers; developing new voices for the stage that speak to new, diverse audiences, with stories that reflect the world as it is today.
“We will commission and develop work that enthrals existing and new audiences alike, making a lasting contribution to a new canon of British plays which speak to Bristol and Britain…
“Together we can support the future of British playwriting and theatre-making; regionally focused with national ambition.”
Just some of the recent new writing at Bristol Old Vic; clockwise from top left: Wonder Boy, Dear Young Monster, Outlier and The Colour of Dinosaurs – all photos: Bristol Old Vic
The restructure of Bristol Old Vic’s Associates Scheme – providing tangible support for a fixed two-year period – has also been announced, with the first cohort of Associate Companies being Beyond Face, Diverse Artists Network, Theatre West and MAYK.
And two associate artists will join Bristol Old Vic for a rolling two-year programme; with Saikat Ahamed being the first artist announced and a second due to be recruited.
The first year will involve the associate artist engaging with the creative functions of Bristol Old Vic, while year two will allow them to focus on the development of their own practice.
Ahamed said: “I am beyond honoured to be asked to be an associate of Bristol Old Vic.
“Aside from my love of the building and the people therein, I’m excited to be part of the changes that Nancy and her team are putting in place.
“The longer I spend in the industry, the more apparent the need for change becomes; to be more inclusive, more reflective not just of the society we see but also the society we want and to accept that this ‘agenda’ does not diminish artistic excellence but rather goes hand in hand with it.”
Main photo: Barbara Evripidou
Read next:
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
