A panel discussion focusing on Leadership in the Arts will be one of the highlights of Departure Lounge, Derby Theatre’s summer festival of “new and thrilling theatre, fresh and innovative performances and insightful workshops and talks”.
Four artistic directors, Kwame Kwei-Armah of London’s Young Vic, Derby Theatre’s Sarah Brigham, Jenny Sealey of Graeae and Natalie Ibu of Tiata Fahodzi, will be on the panel which will be chaired by freelance theatre critic, journalist and blogger Matt Trueman.
One of the highlights will be the appearance of Canadian theatre company Theatre Replacement with Town Choir, a musical performance influenced by members of the community and staged in the Intu shopping centre which houses Derby Theatre.
Fever Dream will be presenting a “powerful and gripping” piece of site-specific theatre, Wrecked, in which six audience members are invited to a written-off vehicle to experience the aftermath of an accident.
In Good Company, a professional development programme for artists making work in the East Midlands, has commissioned Dante or Die to produce User Not Found which will be performed in the theatre’s café.
Ben Anderson, In Good Company’s creative producer, said, “we have a hugely diverse programme on offer once again this year which will animate every corner of Derby Theatre and beyond as we branch out into the Intu centre for the first time.
“We've got our regular mix of the best of the East Midlands blended with the UK’s most exciting artists, sharing works-in-progress, performances in cafés and cars, immersive and intimate performances, touring work and Edinburgh previews.
“Departure Lounge exists to present theatre of the most radical nature right in the heart of the country, proving that the Midlands is a vibrant place to shape the future of theatre.”
Departure Lounge, which is celebrating its sixth anniversary, will run from Thursday 19 until Sunday 22 July.