Theatre / Young SixSix
Young SixSix Library and Son of Helios film premiere
Founded in 2019 and led by Julia Head and Xahnaa Adlam, Young SixSix is an ensemble of young people brought together from across Bristol’s schools and youth services, offering ‘pathways into theatre for people who may not have considered it before’.
Its stated vision is emphatic: ‘Young SixSix recognises the power of theatre which brings people together, increase confidence and enables us to become more understanding of others and the world around us’
Supported by the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation, Young SixSix meets regularly in small, structured sessions in which members have the space to recognise, develop and hone their creative talents, learning about theatre-making, as well as building up the vocabulary with which to digest and interpret the form.
is needed now More than ever
On Tuesday, November 2, the company will be launching two of the projects they have been developing over the last 18 months.
Set to be officially opened by former Bristol City Poet Vanessa Kisuule, a free-to-use library of Black creativity has been meticulously curated as ‘a direct response by Young SixSix to the under-representation of Black creatives in the UK’s curriculum, theatres, publishing houses and beyond’.
The collection will be permanently held at Bristol Old Vic (in the theatre foyer, adjacent to the Box Office) and is a place for readers, thinkers and makers be inspired by a selection of poetry, plays and books by exciting Black writers from the UK and internationally.
On the same night, Son of Helios, a short film written by Young SixSix and filmed as a one-shot, one-take project, will premiere to an invited audience in the Weston Studio.
Director of engagement at Bristol Old Vic, Lucy Hunt, reflects: “It has been really important to be able to keep working with some of our groups over the various lockdowns.
“Young SixSix have responded creatively to the happenings in the world around them and have made us think differently about what our work is and should be. These two ambitious projects are a result of their creativity and vision.”
Young SixSix – photo: Mano Akure
If you think that you would like to take part in the Young SixSix project or you would like to refer a young person, please contact getinvolved@bristololdvic.org.uk.
Main photo: Mano Akure
Read more: Performance company for young people comes to Easton
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