As we at FPAC start back after our summer break, I want to take stock of where we are as a company in Folkestone and my role as artistic director.
Folkestone has a thriving arts scene spear-headed by Creative Folkestone and the triannual festival. Since moving here in 2017, I have greatly enjoyed the immediate access to a wide range of art [Folkestone is home to the UK’s largest outdoor contemporary art exhibition], but have found that theatre is greatly under-represented in our community. And new works creation in the theatre almost non-existent.
My background in creating theatre where none previously existed –within the UK or internationally in Kenya or South Africa – suits my contribution to the arts scene in Folkestone well. Although daunting, I feel as though I am in the right place at the right time with the Folkestone Performing Arts Company to be the preeminent producing company not only to represent Folkestone but wider in the southeast of Kent.
Folkestone needs a producing theatre company. The innovative idea of creating a three-pronged approach to theatre: community theatre group, writing for performance group & professional ensemble has always been a dream of mine. From my first ‘artistic statement’ written at university, I have always wanted to lead a small theatre company based on an ensemble approach to making theatre. My background in Viewpoints, a ‘new to England’ devising approach to making theatre, makes my leadership & FPAC’s creative output unique.
Over the next few days, I will be posting about each of the three strands of FPAC: The professional Ensemble, the Commuity Theatre Group & the Writing for Performance Group. I hope these posts will offer an insight to the company as well as encouragement to get involved with us.
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