Flare, the Manchester-based organisation committed to the support and profiling of the next generation of radical theatre makers, is currently programming its next 'micro-festival', the Flare Weekender, scheduled for 13+14 June 2014.
If you are a new maker of high quality theatre-based performance, or if you know of any, who might be interested in showing work as part of a two day international gathering of new theatre makers at Z-arts in Manchester in June, then we would be most grateful if you could forward this email (full details below), or direct them to the website:
www.flarefestival.com
Thanks a million!
Neil Mackenzie and Kevin Egan Flare Festival Directors Manchester, UK
The Flare Weekender, Manchester, UK
13+14 June 2014
After a quiet year in 2013, Flare is back!
Once again aiming to bring to Manchester the best in brand new radical theatre practice from the UK and abroad, following the success of the Flare International Festival of New Theatre 2011 and the Flare Weekender 2012, the Flare Weekender 2014 promises a unique, theatrical, 2 day encounter for artists, producers, promoters and the public.
Having been amongst the first in this country to profile the acclaimed performance work of Sleepwalk Collective, Jolika Sudermann, Andy Smith, Leen Dewilde, Ana Mendes, and many more, Flare once again sets its sights on the theatre of the future, and on profiling those most likely to take us there.
What is the Flare Weekender?
The Flare Weekender is a two day, international micro-festival of high quality new radical theatre-based performance, presented at Z-arts in Manchester in conjunction with Word of Warning. The little brother of the major Flare International Festival of New Theatre 2015, the Flare Weekender will present up to 10 performances, alongside discussions, workshops, networking events, live music and a party. The Flare Weekender is supported using public funding by Arts Council England, Manchester Metropolitan University and the University of Salford.
Who is Flare and what does it do?
Flare, directed by Neil Mackenzie and Kevin Egan, is a project committed to supporting and profiling the work of the best new makers of radical theatre. Flare works to curate the best new radical theatre practice, selected internationally, in consultation with other performance curators and producers across Europe. It runs international festivals and weekenders in the heart of Manchester, in partnership with some of the leading contemporary theatre producers in the city.
What does the Flare Weekender offers theatre artists?
€ A high profile public performance in the characterful Z-arts (Zion Arts Centre) building in Manchester (main theatre 210 seats, studio theatre 70 seats, plus other performance spaces/sites).
€ 2 days of performing, watching, participating and networking with international peers in the newest community of new theatre makers.
€ The prestige of selection for an international event committed to the presentation of the very best new theatre work (Flare 2011 saw 20 works selected from 120 applications, and was described as Œa brilliant line-up¹ by Lyn Gardner, in the Guardian newspaper).
€ A chance to profile work to significant theatre festival and venue programmers.
€ Free food and access to all performances, discussions and workshops.
€ Travel expenses, accommodation and financial support to be agreed.
In addition: € The Flare Weekender 2014 is offering two selected companies a development residency (studio rehearsal space, accommodation, per diems) for the week leading up to the Flare Weekender.
A word from an artist who was selected for both the Flare International Festival of New Theatre in 2011, and the Flare Weekender in 2012.
³What's so thrilling, and vital, about Flare is the intricately balanced shared-space it creates for both emerging and more established artists, managed with as much generosity as artistic rigour. Consequently it's that rare and precious thing: a festival able to accommodate a fantastically adventurous and cutting-edge program of unusual quality alongside a genuine commitment to the artists of the future.²
Sammy Metcalfe Sleepwalk Collective Vitoria-Gasteiz Spain
Are you interested in presenting work at the Flare Weekender, or do you know an artist or theatre group who you think would be good?
If so, please forward contact details, 200 words describing the performance, 100 words describing the artist or group, a link to any video footage, and an outline of any significant technical requirements, as soon as you can to:
neil@flarefestival.com
Please also state whether you would be interested in a development residency (as detailed above).
The deadline for applications is 21st March 2014.
We really look forward to hearing from you!
Neil Mackenzie Kevin Egan Flare
Neil Mackenzie Axis Arts Centre/Flare Festival/Plane Performance Department of Contemporary Arts Manchester Metropolitan University Crewe Cheshire CW1 5DU United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)161 247 5353 Fax: +44 (0)161 247 6377 http://www.cheshire.mmu.ac.uk/dca E-mail:n.k.mackenzie@mmu.ac.uk
http://www.mmu.ac.uk/dca/neil-mackenzie http://www.flarefestival.com http://www.planeperformance.co.uk http://www.axisartscentre.org.uk