An ambitious project to take over the whole of Brent with theatre productions is being celebrated in a free two-week arts festival.
The Tricycle Theatre, based in Kilburn High Road, has launched its fourth Mapping Brent project across satellite venues in Neasden, South Kilburn, Stonebridge, Wembley Park, Harlesden and Kilburn.
More than 25 free events, screenings, performances and masterclasses are taking place from April 1-13 including comedy, stage combat, a podcast drama workshop and puppetry.
Young people and a group of older adults have been working on six unique plays that they all played a part in creating.
They were selected as part of an accelerated recruitment process with directors going round schools and clubs in the borough to find willing participants.
The shows have been specially written for them by professional playwrights and directors from the across the industry who have worked with them over the last six months.
The plays all explore themes of community, the expectations of society and coming of age.
Liam Shea, creative learning director at the Tricycle, said: “This is the fourth takeover but the first time we are taking a large scale project out of our building and taking over Brent.
“We want to nurture the relationship we have with people in the borough and reach out to people who may never visit the theatre. Our performers can bring their friends and family, there is something for everyone.
“It’s also free so there are absolutely no barriers to anyone coming.”
Indhu Rubasingham, Artistic Director of the Tricycle Theatre said: “While we are refurbishing the theatre we felt this was a great opportunity to reach out into the borough with this creative learning programme.
“It is vital young people get exposed to the arts. It can open them to difference careers and opportunities but also give them confidence. It’s really important for their wellbeing and independence.
“We want to make a commitment to work with young people from across Brent, engage with people in their community and to form lasting relationships.”
For the full programme go to: tricycle.co.uk/current-programme-pages/theatre/theatre-programme-main/takeover-2017-events/
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