Southbank Bristol Arts

Everyone,

A year ago, and in response to the news from Bristol Old Vic that it was going to close the theatre indefinitely, Theatre Bristol called a meeting to begin to answer the question So, where do we go from here? Despite the extraordinary summer floods, 200 people came to Circomedia to talk, to shout, to discuss, to exchange ideas, to reflect and to look forward. Since then many more people have answered that question in many ways. Some answers have been confusing, often from the places that you’d hope to find direction and leadership, and some have been straightforward. There have been many different and opposing opinions expressed and as many, if not more, echoes and agreements.

In response to So, where do we go from here? Arts Council England commissioned Theatre Bristol to lead an investigation into what a performance culture of ambition might look like for Bristol. So we held seminars with contributions from people who have achieved amazing things in performance and we asked over 100 people what a performance culture of ambition might look like. We gathered the responses into a discussion paper, which can be downloaded from www.theatrebristol.net/bristollive.

The discussion paper is neither a destination nor a conclusion. It marks a place between two horizons: It reflects back on what has brought us to this point and looks forward to an ambitious performance culture that builds on existing strengths and responds to challenges. The investigative process has illuminated a fantastic and immense passion, energy, desire, drive and delight in the experience of theatre in Bristol, whether in the making of it as an artist or the experiencing of it as an audience member.

This energy now needs to be redoubled. The paper concludes that a performance culture of ambition will only be achieved through collective responsibility and it asks a series of questions on that premise. In order to begin to answer those questions I would like to invite anyone who feels they have a stake (however large or small) in the future of performance in Bristol to come to an Open Space meeting on Saturday 19th July at Circomedia, Portland Square. After a year of answering the question “where do we go from here?” the question now is: So, how do we get there?

So, how do we get there? will not be a conventional conference or meeting. Open Space is an interactive and inclusive way of structuring a meeting that allows you, the participant, to set the agenda. It is a very dynamic way of talking about complicated and difficult things and is particularly good at turning talking into doing, into finding ways forward. You will not be talked at or asked to talk about things you don't want to. Everything that is said will be recorded and you will get a copy of that document.

We have chosen to hold an Open Space as its structure fits with Theatre Bristol's ethos of partnership: of working together to achieve something greater than the sum of its parts. Bristol’s theatre scene is at a point of great change. We need you to come to this meeting to help make that change as positive and effective as it can be.

It is really important that the whole theatre community has the opportunity to attend this so please help us to ensure this information reaches far and wide by passing this invitation on.

So, how do we get there? will take place on Saturday 19th July 2008 at Circomedia Portland Square in Bristol from 10am – 7pm. This is a long day, but from our experience it needs to be to ensure that you get the most from it. You will be well looked after. Tea and coffee will be freely available all day as well as a tasty lunch to keep you going. The majority of the space is fully accessible.

There are 200 places available which will be allocated on a first come first served basis. To contribute to the direct costs of the event we are charging £6.50 for full price tickets and concessions are 'Pay What You Can'. Concessions include: students, claimants, those on a low income, over-60s and disabled people. The price includes lunch supplied by the Real Olive Company. To book a place please contact the Tobacco Factory Box Office on 0117 902 0344

If you'd like to know more or have any questions do get in touch by email or phone.

So, if you want to contribute to how we get there, I look forward to seeing you on the 19th.

With Best Wishes,

Seth

Seth Honnor
Theatre Bristol's Co-ordinator
seth@theatrebristol.net
0117 9166686
Unitarian Chapel, Brunswick Square, Bristol BS2 8PE
www.theatrebristol.net/bristollive