The Creative Assembly has gathered for the first time this month, bringing five groups of consultancy and creatives together as they start to shape the direction of Norwich Theatre.
The five groups include Theatre Disruptors, who will be given space to create and test new ideas, and explore what the theatre might present and programme.
For Disruptor Kathryn White, it is all about encouraging engagement: “As someone who has always found theatres to be wonderful, welcoming places, I am fascinated by those who don’t feel the same and therefore eager to challenge perceptions and encourage broader engagement with Norwich Theatre.”
Anamika Bhattacharjee, a fellow disruptor said, “I am excited to represent not only my Bengali community but also to contribute to the vibrant cultural tapestry of Norwich. I believe in the power of theatre to bridge gaps, break stereotypes and amplify voices that are marginalised or unheard.”
Community Connectors are a group who bridge the gap between Norwich Theatre and their community, sharing what is important to them, from the kinds of stories they want to hear to ways to get involved. It includes Holly Dixon, who is currently engaged with the Norwich Eco Hub podcast, who is particularly interested in how disabled people are represented in the arts. It also includes Lydia Prem and Abbey Stjohn, who both work for the Norwich International Youth Project, a youth group for asylum seekers, refugees and otherwise displaced people aged 11-25 years old and support their integration into life in Norwich.
Young Cultural Leaders is a group now in its second cohort. It is made up of young people aged 18-30 who gain practical skills and learn how to help shape and define leadership. It has the future ambition to see members represent on trustee boards of Norwich Theatre and local organisations.
Norwich Theatre is passionate about working with artists to ensure that they provide relevant, engaging and diverse creative experiences for all. The Creative Advisory Group empowers freelance artists to consult and advise on strategic decisions and challenges within the arts sector.
Norwich Theatre’s first Associate Company completes the Creative Assembly groups. Led by Sarah Johnson and Ben Samuels, Limbik is a Norwich-based company that will collaborate with Norwich Theatre to contribute to audience development, community engagement, and innovative creative practices. They led a session on the evening exploring rhythm and sound.
Limbik’s Co-Director, Ben Samuels, said “We are thrilled and honoured to be taking up this opportunity as an Associate Company. Norwich Theatre’s support of local artists has really developed in the past couple of years, and it’s very exciting to be part of this new wave of collaboration.”
With the Creative Assembly now established, Norwich Theatre has a permanent rolling consultancy with communities, audiences, and artists, free of any time parameters that may have come before. It is a space that fosters open dialogue, encourages questioning, and values listening.
“We’re not just asking questions for a period of time: we are now working with a question mark embedded into our culture,” said Jez Pike, Head of Creative Development at Norwich Theatre.
Vikki Greenhalgh, a Theatre Disruptor added: “I am excited to be part of conversation that has the potential to increase human connection and community with Norwich Theatre.” As a disruptor, I feel it is important to raise questions and challenge the status quo. My aim is to inspire equality, inclusion, and champion the ability of theatre to bring people together and change lives.”