GIFT, the Gateshead International Festival of Theatre, returns for a third year from 2 to 5 May.
Following the success of GIFT 2012, the North East’s only dedicated contemporary theatre festival will be showcasing new work from nationally and internationally acclaimed artists in their third year. Bringing together artists from across the UK and the world, GIFT was established to provide a platform for work not normally programmed in the region, and for new theatre makers in the North East. GIFT serves as a creative and cultural response to the on-going redevelopment of Gateshead town centre, connecting with the regeneration on the Gateshead Quayside.
The Festival will include performances, workshops, social events and opportunities for discussion and debate, giving artists a chance to showcase their own work within an international theatre festival context offering professional development and networking opportunities. Performance highlights include Spanish artists Guillem Mont de Palol and Jorge Dutor with their work Y Por Que John Cage?, international artist Ana Mendes’ Dance Play, and works from Brian Lobel, Kindle Theatre and Alexander Kelly.
Events and performances will take place in a number of venues across the town: the Old Town Hall, St Mary’s Heritage Centre, The Central in Half Moon Lane and Gateshead College.
The programme of performances, workshops and discussions will include work from FUEL, theatre-between, Massive Owl, Sudermann & Söderberg, Bandicoot Theatre Company, Kindle Theatre, Thord Angel and Alexander Kelly, Alan Lyddiard, telltale, Surface Area Dance Company, Brian Lobel and Lorne Campbell.
Festival Director Kate Craddock said, “I feel extremely excited and proud that GIFT is now returning for its third year. This year the festival will bring together more international artists than ever before, who will be showcasing their work alongside artists from the North East region and from across the UK. It is such a privilege to be working with such a range of brave and brilliant artists, and I am delighted to be bringing this work to the North East for the first time.
"GIFT really aims to develop both artists and audiences, and through offering a programme of professional development workshop activities, alongside a programme of performance work that is unique in the region, GIFT 2013 is set to make its biggest splash yet.”
RSC Deputy Artistic Director Erica Whyman, formerly Director of Northern Stage in Newcastle, added, “GIFT festival is a wonderful event happening in a fantastic place; which has swiftly established itself as an unmissable celebration of intriguing and daring theatre making.
"The amazing programme that Kate and the team have managed to tempt to Gateshead this year is really thrilling and speaks of the unique warmth of their welcome and the sheer strength of their artistic following. Gateshead is going to be the place to be this Spring.”
A full programme listing will be available on the website at www.giftfestival.co.uk.