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Fact
Sheets
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2nd Contemporary European Plays FestivalFirst launched in 2000, the Huddersfield Festival of Contemporary European Plays has big ambitions and wide horizons - all stemming, initially, from small beginnings. Established by Huddersfield University's Theatre Studies Division, the first "FestCEP" last year presented two British stage premieres among plays from Sweden, Austria and the Serbia, plus an array of Insight and Perspective projects, providing access to theatre makers, translators, theatre critics and writers from across Europe. Following this initial success, the Festival is now being developed by UK Arts-Explore on behalf of the enterprising University's Theatre Division - and another event is predicted for November 2001. Huddersfield based UK Arts-Explore, directed by Andrew Kitchen, develops and co-ordinates arts, cultural and heritage initiatives nationally. The Plays Festival follows in the footsteps of the internationally acclaimed Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival, which is also produced by the University and was launched on a similar small scale. This annual musical celebration now attracts visitors and participants from around the world to the UK's largest town. FestCEP's definition of Europe in changing times, is vast - from Ireland to Israel, Norway to North Africa - with a remit to explore, present and promote translated contemporary stage plays from across this region. Last year, FestCEP commissioned two translations and published all the plays staged. Plans for Festival development are well underway and initial support from the theatre industry, notable practitioners and many other theatre study centres, suggest substantial enthusiasm and opportunities to discover new material and writers. Indeed, the wealth of initial support is the only factor delaying confirmation of FestCEP 2001. The quality and quantity of ideas, product and allied festival content might see a delay to Spring 2002 and a larger event - organisers are now discussing whether to take the big leap or develop steadily: a June decision deadline looms. But even more ideas for production and participation are being encouraged now with extensive coverage on websites, press and direct contact. Scripts, full productions, workshops and seminars subjects will be considered plus rehearsed readings and masterclass/interviews will, ideally, be offered. A bank of contacts and contributors will be established and funding found to match needs and desires over Festivals to come. The Festival will potentially include a wide range of theatre enthusiasts - professional practitioners and companies, student productions and amateur/community companies from across Europe - and provide a unique feast for audiences.The current enthusiasm to be involved includes Dallas University translation department and a offer to travel from an amateur theatre company in Nepal - the latter, unfortunately, beyond the geographic remit of the European Festival but when broadcasting on the world wide web, offers come from really far and wide. All further ideas and projects need to be submitted immediately to: Andrew Kitchen |
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