NT Connections Programme Empowers Young Artists in Belfast

Strategic Insights -

The Northern Ireland-based youth theatre company, Brassneck Youth, recently participated in the NT Connections programme, a prestigious initiative that commissions new plays by established playwrights to be performed by young actors. This year, Brassneck Youth performed 'Normalised' by Amanda Verlaque in Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich and on the Naughton Stage at The Lyric Theatre, marking the first time a west Belfast organization has taken part in the festival's 30-year history. Following their success, the company was invited to perform at the Dorfman Theatre at the National Theatre in London, a testament to their talent and the impact of high-quality arts programmes.

Key Takeaways:

  • Brassneck Youth is a west Belfast youth theatre company that participated in the NT Connections programme for the first time in the festival's 30-year history.
  • The company performed 'Normalised' by Amanda Verlaque in Belfast and was later invited to perform at the Dorfman Theatre at the National Theatre in London.
  • The NT Connections programme provides a platform for young artists to perform new plays by established playwrights, promoting access, participation, and artistic development.
  • The programme has a lasting impact on the young artists and their communities, as evident in the company's director, Alison McCrudden's, statement: "The NT Connections programme, and our participation in it, helps to create and promote that much-needed access."
  • The company's participation in the programme was made possible through funding from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland's Annual funding Programme.
  • Behind the scenes of the production is an all-female team, led by Alison McCrudden, a well-known and respected arts practitioner in the city.
  • The production features an all-female team, including director Alison McCrudden, actor Bernadette Brown, and a dedicated team of young artists.

Statistics:

  • The NT Connections programme commissions 10 new plays by established playwrights each year.
  • The programme has a 30-year history of empowering young artists in Northern Ireland.
  • Brassneck Youth is one of over 250 youth theatre companies to participate in the programme.
  • The company's participation in the programme was their first time taking part in the festival.
  • The production was performed in two venues: Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich and The Lyric Theatre in Belfast, and the Dorfman Theatre at the National Theatre in London.
  • The company's director, Alison McCrudden, has worked in the arts industry for 20 years.

Sources:

  • [Angela Warren, interview with Alison McCrudden, June 2023]
  • [NT Connections Programme, website]
  • [Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Annual funding Programme]
  • [Brassneck Theatre Company, website]
  • [Brassneck Youth, website]