Call for participants
We are currently looking for participants to join the cast of a performance taking place at Stage @ Leeds (University of Leeds) on 24th & 25th October 2019.
We are looking for at least three people (and up to six) who are migrants to the UK and currently live in the Leeds area. The company you will be joining is made up of European and American artists living in different areas of the UK. No previous experience of performing is necessary, though you should be confident enough to express yourself in public or be enthusiastic about this new challenge.
You can see photographs and a short video of a previous performance of the show here: with bread
ABOUT THE PROJECT
The show you will become a part of will be a joyous celebration of diversity and difference and it features the making of bread and the sharing of a meal with the audience. The show was in part inspired by the fact the word “companion” has its roots in the Latin expression “com panis” which means “together, with bread.”
In times where many migrants no longer feel welcome in the UK, this performance is about connecting with strangers and fostering new friendships. Together we explore ideas of community, belonging, migration, cultural and linguistic identity through the sharing of food.
WHAT WILL I HAVE TO DO IN THE SHOW?
The show takes place at and around a set of dining tables, and you will be the host at one of those tables, making conversation with audience members (up to 8 people) at your table. There will also be an opportunity for you to share short anecdotes and stories about your experience of migrating to the UK and living in Leeds. You will receive training for this, and anything you want to say can be written down (you won’t necessarily have to learn any lines). As the show will also feature bread making, you will sometimes help audience members follow a simple recipe.
This show is part of my PhD research project on the use and potential of eating together in performance. My research seeks to investigate how social eating is constructed in performance, and how it informs the artistic development process. Your participation will also involve an informed consent process; you will receive detailed information about this and will be given the opportunity to ask questions before you agree to participate in the project.
WHAT KIND OF PERSON ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
We’re looking for the kind of people who are excited about meeting new people, sharing stories and who enjoy lively conversations over good food! You don’t need to have any prior experience of taking part in anything like this, so long as you have an open mind and you are happy to try new things out.
HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED?
In the first instance, please send a brief email (or voice note/video) introducing yourself and telling us why you’d like to take part in this project to Louise Cross on hello@making-room.co.uk. Louise can also answer any questions you may have via email or call 07462 337756.
Please do this BY FRIDAY 4TH OCTOBER. Please also let us know if you have any allergies or access requirements at this point.
We will then be holding a workshop for people who might be interested in taking part in this project. The workshops are as much about us finding out about how your contribution might help shape the show, as they are about you finding out about us and why we’re doing this project.
You can attend the workshop even if you are not sure if you would like to take part and you will have some time to decide if you’d like to join us after this. Louise will send details of the workshop which is currently pencilled to take place on Thursday 10th October. If you are not available on that day, please let us know when you express your interest. It won’t be a problem.
IF I TAKE PART IN THE SHOW, WHEN WILL YOU NEED ME?
If after the first workshop you decide you’d like to be involved, and we find that you are a good fit for the project, we will arrange for you to attend a second workshop, currently pencilled on 17th October – though this could be flexible.
We are likely to hold an informal dinner meet-up the night before the first show on 23rd October.
The company will be in rehearsals at Stage @ Leeds on 23rd, and 24th October and we will arrange for you to come into rehearsals at a time that works around your other commitments. You will need to be available from 5 p.m. latest until 10 p.m. earliest on 24th and/or 25th October 2019. You may participate by performing in one or both shows.
If any of those dates do not work for you but you are still keen on taking part, let us know and we will see what we can do.
WHAT IS IN IT FOR ME?
As well as a chance to make new friends and to be immersed in an exciting and unusual theatre production, you will receive a £50 honorarium per show towards your time and expenses. We will also provide snacks during the workshops, rehearsals and of course, the show itself includes a meal.
CONTACT US
For further information about this project, or if you’d like to ask any questions, please get in touch with Louise Cross or Leo via email on louise@making-room.co.uk / leo@making-room.co.uk or call 07462 337756.