Artist Development 2023

May Fly, May Not

Bursary, mentoring, space

Inspired by the first woman in the world to design, build, and fly her own airplane, this show was created for under-5s and their families. It aimed to use low resources in a magical way that could be replicated at home while inspiring families to play and be creative together.

"I am so grateful for all the space, time and energy that Aberdeen Arts Centre has given to my development as an artist and theatre maker. By awarding me a bursary they gave me the courage to diversify my practice and the permission to believe in myself and my ideas"

The Selkie's Wife

Bursary, mentoring, space

The Selkie’s Wife reimagined the traditional selkie myth, delving into the untold story of the selkie before she was shackled to the shoreline. The performance invited audiences to listen to her side of the tale, challenging the traditional narrative of captivity and escape. Alongside funding, we provided an opportunity for her Essa's work to be shared in the Children's Theatre.

New Play Development

Bursary

Cath used the bursary to develop ideas for a one-person play about a hillwalker. Drawing from her love for hillwalking and the outdoors - rooted in her lifelong involvement with the Scouts - she outlined a piece following a lone hillwalker throughout the seasons of a year.

"Having the support from Aberdeen Arts Centre was so valuable for getting started on a new project because it gave me a dedicated creative space to freely use. It was also special to be able to work in a venue that I performed in as a youngster - a real full circle moment!"

Ariel Says No

Bursary

Ariel Says No was a loose adaptation of the beginning of The Tempest, exploring the imprisonment of Ariel inside a tree by Sycorax, later to be freed by Prospero. The production experimented with staging, including a blindfolded audience to replicate Ariel’s limited perception while trapped. The play toyed with the idea of revealing hidden elements gradually, creating an immersive and thought-provoking theatrical experience.

"With no strings attached, Aberdeen Arts Centre offered financial support to pay for a group of creatives to come together and explore, plus the generous in-kind support of Amy's attendance. It is such a rare thing to be offered support so readily and kindly, where excitement for the art is the priority. This support catapulted the idea into motion and I am so grateful for it."

Echoes

Mentoring, development

Rebecca researched and developed an idea exploring what had changed in Aberdeen over the last 100 years and what had remained the same. She examined the impact of the rise and fall of industry in the city and considered what came next for Aberdeen. The project was explored through monologue, dramatic form, and the simultaneous storytelling of four women’s experiences.

"I feel so very grateful for the support I received from Aberdeen Arts Centre. Amy's belief in me to write and produce a rehearsed reading of my play has been invaluable. I've now diversified my artistic practice and have had the opportunity to amplify Aberdonian women's voices. Amy help with writing (my first!) funding application, allowed me a place to write and was always on hand to steer my writing in the best way. Amy also kindly agreed to direct my rehearsed reading for me and facilitated the most amazing discussions with the actors that inspired and motivated me. I'm eternally grateful for the support I received form Amy and Aberdeen Arts Centre for pushing me as an artist and expanding my creativity."

What the Thunder Said

Space

A bold, mischievous, and courage-bolstering solo show, What The Thunder Said explored a personal encounter with T.S. Eliot’s The Waste Land, a pair of yellow sunglasses, and the world of neurochemicals. Written and performed by Jane Williams, the show was supported by Aberdeen City Creative Funding. We provided space to preview the show ahead of a run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in summer 2023.

"We were very grateful for the in kind support provided by the Arts Centre in July 2023, making it possible to stage a local preview of my solo show, What The Thunder Said, before beginning a run at the Edinburgh Fringe. We also had a technician on hand which was helpful in order to make the most of the lights and sound in the Cafe Bar space."

Hating Yourself and a Healthy Amount

Space

EHG Theatre presented a rehearsed reading of their new play Hating Yourself a Healthy Amount at Aberdeen Arts Centre on July 28th. The play explored how two people could connect under awkward circumstances, raising the question: is oversharing a form of caring?