Bristol Old Vic’s Young SixSix ensemble will return with a reimagining of the Ancient Greek comedy Lysistrata in September.
Directed by Julia Head and Xahnaa Adlam, this modern retelling will transport audiences to the battleground of Bristol’s streets where a group of young people fight for bodily autonomy and the right to decide their own futures.
The Young SixSix initiative was founded in 2018, aiming to widen opportunities for young people who may be interested in theatre. The company has since garnered recognition for its “powerful, raw and honest” productions, blending creative ingenuity with authentic portraits of contemporary political issues.
Young SixSix also strongly advocates for accessibility in the theatre industry and offers specialist training and mentoring in performance arts for young performers from lower socio-economic backgrounds. In 2020, the project was awarded £20,000 by the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation as part of their aim to widen opportunities and increase diversity in the arts.
The project attracts young talent across the centre and north of Bristol through schools and youth clubs. Members of Young SixSix have often worked in collaboration with the Bristol Old Vic Young Company, previously performing in co-productions of Romeo & Juliet and Antigone.
Lysistrata marks the debut performance for a group of young performers who have recently joined the Young SixSix. These new members have been working together throughout the summer, alongside the original Young SixSix company. This production will also be the first fully Young SixSix-produced stage play since the project’s inception.
The performance will run from 15-17 September. Tickets are available for purchase from the Bristol Old Vic website.
Words by Katie Heyes
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Image credit: Chelsea Cliff