Latest news - Where Are We Now?
08/07/21 Where Are We Now?
This summer the youngest members of Leeds Grand Youth Theatre will perform Where Are We Now? a short new play with original songs inspired by the people and events surrounding the Battle of Agincourt in 1415.
Originally meant to be performed in person as a collaboration with the Royal Armouries for the International Medieval Congress, the video will now be shared online, followed by a Q&A with Artistic Director, Lizi Patch, and Education Manager, Stephen Brennan, who will talk about the work of the youth theatre, the development of the show, and the process of bringing this historical topic to life with a cast of 8-11 year olds.
Narrated by Christine De Pizan – a French medieval writer and historiographer who advocated for women’s equality in the 15th century – Where Are We Now? moves between the battlefield and the homes (and castles!) of some of the people affected by the famous battle and shines a light on the story from both sides.
Where Are We Now? was developed and written by the cast under the guidance of Lizi, Pete Ross (Musical Director), and Dawn Holgate (Choreographer).
Leeds Grand Youth Theatre (LGYT) is a thriving, vibrant company open to all young people aged between 8 and 17 years based at Leeds Grand Theatre Studio. Sessions are run by Lizi, Dawn and Pete, plus a range of visiting industry professionals. LGYT is an inclusive group open to all abilities, supported by the Leeds Heritage Theatre’s Learning Team. Members develop theatre skills (acting, improvisation, dance, singing) alongside vital life skills (communication, focus, confidence, empathy, commitment, initiative, creative problem-solving). LGYT is about nurturing the individual and learning the importance of working as an ensemble, while building creative skills and making lasting friendships. LGYT members have progressed to join Leeds Actors in Training (LAIT) – our vocational training programme for ages 18 to 25 years – and even to form their own companies. Since launching in 2012, LGYT has packed out venues in Leeds with eight full-scale musicals and a range of contemporary plays, devised works, and cabaret-style showcases.
The International Medieval Congress (IMC) is organised and administered by the Institute for Medieval Studies (IMS) at the University Of Leeds. Since its start in 1994, the Congress has established itself as an annual event with an attendance of over 1,800 medievalists from over 50 countries. With over 1,400 individual papers and 450 academic sessions and a wide range of concerts, performances, readings, round tables, excursions, book fair and associated events, the Leeds International Medieval Congress is Europe’s largest annual gathering in the humanities.
Camera Operator/Editor – Kerry Maule
Costume Designer/Maker/Supervisor – Nicole Mistry
