The 15th Gateshead International Festival of Theatre will feature creative workshops, exhibitions, immersive installations, new performance and discussions
Audiences will be able to "experience new performance works at a very early stage, get involved in the creation of new artworks, take part in critical conversations, and explore multiple venues and locations across Gateshead town centre and beyond."
Themes covered by the events in this year's festival include the climate emergency, environmentalism, mental health, identity, community engagement and play.
Founded in 2011 by Festival Director Kate Craddock, GIFT "provides a place for professional development for artists, and an opportunity for audiences and participants to engage with cutting-edge, experimental and unique performances that wouldn’t otherwise be presented in the North East of England."
Craddock said that the festival, "opens up an invitation for audiences to have a genuine exchange with artists, and I’m excited to see people connect and engage with artists from across the UK and Canada this year.
"GIFT has developed a reputation amongst artists as a place to experiment and test out new ideas in front of a supportive festival community, echoing the Festival’s ethos of exploration, exchange and experimentation, and I’m excited to see the programme embraced during its anniversary year."
GIFT runs from Friday 2 to Sunday 4 May, with ‘Pay What You Decide’ tickets available.