Friday 2nd July – Sunday 18th July 2021
Amplifying diverse voices from a team of international collaborators, Theatre-Rites have announced the outstanding cast for The Global Playground, which will mark this acclaimed company’s 25th anniversary. An innovative production which mixes dance, music, theatre and puppetry, this exciting production will premiere simultaneously at the Manchester International Festival and online this July.
The Global Playground examines our essential human connections and how these have both grown and become disjointed through digital connections. The incredible ensemble cast features acclaimed dancers Jahmarley Bachelor (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, Zoonation), Annie Edwards (A Kate Prince Company), Kennedy Junior Muntanga (Phoenix Dance Theatre), and Charmene Pang (Isadora Now: A Triple Bill, The Barbican). Joining them are renowned puppeteer and actor Sean Garratt (A Christmas Carol, National Theatre of Scotland), and celebrated percussionist Merlin Jones (Birmingham Symphony Orchestra).
Director Sue Buckmaster comments, As Theatre-Rites turns 25 I have been reflecting on the importance of the connections we have developed with artists and our audiences, how it is our responsibility to nurture and empower both. As a company we have always been driven by the child’s needs and we know that young people’s futures will be a fluid experience of online and real adventures. The Global Playground, with its exceptional cast, is our gift to our audience of young people and to their carers; a chance to reflect on how they can be fully present, wherever they are and however they are connecting. A truly fitting way to celebrate our exciting return to Manchester International Festival and to live theatre.
To mark their 25th anniversary, Theatre-Rites will be publishing a book celebrating the company and the incredible artists they have worked with. The book will also tell the fascinating story of Artistic Director Sue Buckmaster, who lives with ME, and her puppeteer father who inspired her work. The book will be published on 29th July and has been co-written with Dr Liam Jarvis, Theatre-Rites board member and lecturer at Essex University.
The Global Playground Dates Friday 2nd July – Sunday 18th July 2021
Performance times Thursday – Friday, 7pm Saturday – Sunday, 11am and 3pm There will be an additional performance on Wednesday 14th July at 3pm
Location Unit 5, Great Northern Warehouse, 235 Deansgate, Manchester M3 4EN This production will also be presented digitally. How to Get There: Unit 5, Great Northern Warehouse is a 5 minute walk from Deansgate Station or a 20 minute walk from either Manchester Piccadilly or Victoria Stations. Parking is available at NCP Great Northern opposite the venue.
Running Time 75 minutes TBC
Ages Recommended for ages 8+ Website theatre-rites.co.uk
Social media @TheatreRites