An academic at the University of Lincoln is celebrating after his company is selected for the British Council Showcase 2017.
Dr Andrew Westerside, from the School of Fine and Performing Arts, is the Co-Artistic Director of Proto-type Theater, a company of multi-disciplinary artists based in the UK who make and produce original work that is diverse in scale, subject and medium.
The company has been selected for the 20th anniversary Edinburgh Showcase, the British Council’s biennial platform of contemporary UK performance alongside the Edinburgh Festivals in August.
As one of the most prestigious platforms for touring theatre and performance in the UK, it is one of the biggest opportunities for theatre and dance companies to introduce their work to international promoters.
Speaking after the announcement, Dr Westerside said: “Being in the Showcase feels like a really big stamp of approval for your work. There’s only 30 pieces of work selected, and to be part of that, out of a whole industry’s worth of work, is fantastic.
“Being selected means that programmers and presenters from all over the world get to see your work, and that can mean making new international partnerships and touring opportunities.
“In 2011, when we were last selected, we were lucky enough to travel to Armenia and Zimbabwe as a result of the showcase. It’s an incredible way to bring your work to wider audiences, because being part of the showcase is a recognition that your work is of an international standard.”
The play that will be performed at the showcase, ‘A Machine They’re Secretly Building’ has now been published by Oberon Modern Plays. To find out more, visit: www.oberonbooks.com/a-machine-they-re-secretly-building.html