A ‘Legends of Frome’ project will be launched at an event on Tuesday 29th March. The project invites local residents to share their stories in preparation for an innovative theatre production at the Frome Festival this July.
The aim of the production is to tap into the rich history of Frome’s residents and tell some unheard stories from the memories and hopes of local people.
Applications are now open for young adults (18-35) to take part in a free two-month training programme to develop a wide range of skills including performance, promotion and production, whilst exploring paths towards making a livelihood in the arts.
Edventure Frome, an educational organisation based at the Welshmill Hub, will guide the young adults through researching, designing, creating and performing the piece in what looks set to be a real highlight of this year’s Frome Festival.
Frome-born storyteller Ben Mali Macfadyen came up with the idea, having worked with a wide spectrum of community groups across the UK to create innovative site-specific theatre.
Ben said, “Frome is a thriving town for the arts with a rich living history. However, with extensive funding cuts for the arts, new models are needed to integrate communities directly in creative processes that reach across difference. I am interested in the ways stories can form bridges of understanding, and act as transformative tools for creating more connected people and places.”
Edventure say they are looking forward to the collaboration. Biz Bliss, Edventure facilitator and coordinator said, “This project lies at the heart of our mission; supporting young adults to start livelihoods by linking them with mentors already doing this in Frome, and at the same time, giving them a platform to connect with the local community and tell their stories. We don’t just want to hear from actors, we would welcome anybody interested in any aspects of theatre, community building or business development to get in touch.”
Edventure is also looking to hear from a wide network of local people to get involved in the project – from local arts and social organisations, technicians, artists of all kinds, donors, partners, mentors, collaborators, teachers, as well as people with a tale or two to share.
To find out more, you are invited to a community consultation event at the Welshmill Hub on Tuesday 29th March from 5.30pm to 7pm . You can also visit www.edventurefrome.org/legends/ or contact Biz Bliss biz@edventurefrome.org for more information.