NOPRA has announced recipients of the theatre company’s two artist residencies.
Melia Naughton, with collaborators Joel Cooper and Anouska Gammon, will develop an operetta to be set in a small-town post office.
Valley Lipcer of Roundabout Theatre will work with local artists, teachers and children to develop an outdoor, interactive theatre work for children 5–9 years exploring themes of bravery, transformation, journey and connection to nature.
Artistic Director and CEO of NORPA, Julian Louis, said Melia and Valley are both creative powerhouses in the region.
‘We’re thrilled to be able to provide them, and their creative teams, with the support to research and develop these exciting new works.
Both projects share NORPA’s passion for new, bold and ambitious works that play with form and challenge the conventions of theatre.
Valley says the residency provides an opportunity to develop a show in a totally new and exciting way.
‘I can take some creative risks, experiment with form, format and sites, to collaborate with diverse artists and to play-test ideas with young people.’
Melia says she and her collaborators want to create something immersive and engaging.
‘This opportunity provided by NORPA is thrilling as it offers us the space to do this. As makers and creators it is wonderfully affirming to have their support.’
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