Deaf News: Deafinitely Theatre becomes an Associate Artist at London’s Bush Theatre

The Bush Theatre has announced that Deafinitely Theatre will become one of their new Associate Artists.

This is part of the launch of a new talent development strategy designed to revolutionise the diversity and quality of artists and artistic leadership in the UK. From 2017, a new cohort of artists will become part of the fabric of the Bush.

This includes Deafinitely Theatre, and two other Associate Artists on attachment to the Studio: Milk Presents and Antler. They will work alongside three Project 2036 practitioners – a programme that will offer a Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic and Refugee (BAMER) playwright, director and producer a £10,000 bursary each year. Supported by the Leverhulme Trust, the first intake of artists is: Alison Holder (Producer), Rikki Henry (Director) and Hannah Khalil (Playwright).

Deafinitely Theatre’s Paula Garfield said: “Deafinitely Theatre is delighted to have been invited to be an Associate Artist of the Bush Theatre, a first for the company since its foundation in 2002. We are very much looking forward to collaborating with this celebrated theatre to create new and innovative work, which will bring together both deaf and hearing artists.”

“As the first deaf-led theatre company to become an associate of the Bush, Deafinitely hope this bold and exciting step will help break down barriers, leading to further opportunities for deaf and hearing theatre makers to work together in the future.”

Founded in 2002, Deafinitely Theatre is an independent, professional Deaf-led company. Their bilingual productions – in British Sign Language and spoken English – are made from a Deaf perspective and aim to provide a platform for untold Deaf stories, reflecting and exploring Deaf culture by bringing it centre stage. Recent productions include: Grounded (Park Theatre), Something Else (Stratford Circus Arts Centre and tour), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Globe Theatre), Two (Southwark Playhouse).

The Bush Theatre is a world-famous home for new plays and an internationally renowned champion of playwrights. We discover, nurture and produce the best new playwrights from the widest range of backgrounds, and present their work to the highest possible standards. We look for exciting new voices that tell contemporary stories with wit, style and passion and we champion work that is both provocative and entertaining.

The Bush Theatre has produced hundreds of ground-breaking premières since its inception in 1972, many of them Bush Theatre commissions, and hosted guest productions by leading companies and artists from across the world. The Bush Theatre is widely acclaimed as the seedbed for the best new playwrights, many of whom have gone on to become established names. The Bush Theatre has won over 100 awards, and developed an enviable reputation for touring its acclaimed productions nationally and internationally.