Stratford Theatre Royal East appeals for Nigerian artists

by Kay Atwal, Chief Reporter Tuesday, June 5, 2012
12:00 PM

Artists with a Nigerian heritage could be awarded £3,000 to develop their work as part of a new project launched by Theatre Royal Stratford East.

The theatre has announced 30 Nigeria House, a search for original work from young artists of Nigerian heritage. As part of it, 30 of the artists will be awarded up to £3,000 to develop their work, providing significant investment in emerging talents. The new project is one of the outcomes of Theatre Royal Stratford East hosting Nigeria’s Hospitality House (Nigeria House) during the London 2012 Olympic Games.

The project is also part of the London 2012 Festival, the spectacular 12-week national celebration running from June 21 until September 9 bringing together leading artists from across the world with the very best from the UK. Throughout the Olympic Games, Theatre Royal Stratford East will be celebrating the diversity of Nigerian culture.

It is looking for emerging and existing UK-based artists of Nigerian descent and artists residing in Nigeria aged 18 - 35. Theatre Royal Stratford East is seeking fresh, dynamic perspectives from the art forms of theatre, dance, film animation, poetry, spoken word, and music.

Artistic Director Kerry Michael said: “During this momentous summer for East London, we’re thrilled to present another programme at Theatre Royal Stratford East to support emerging artists. We hope to receive submissions from outstanding young artists from across the UK and from Nigeria. This project is very important to us in ensuring that our summer 2012 activities have a continued legacy in Stratford after the Olympic and Paralympic Games.”