23/12/2015 - Permalink

How Fish Climb Trees

Related topics: Partner organisations

News from our partners A4U

‘How Fish Climb Trees’ is an exciting and innovative project which has been developed in partnership by A4U and Ignition Arts. The project will establish a high quality Theatre Company for members of Shropshire Autism Hub.

Funded by Arts Council England, this project is led by Ignition’s professional artists who are working with members of the Hub to create a new piece of theatre. Through the theatre making process the participant’s will explore their experience of living with autism and will be given opportunities to develop theatre skills in acting, directing, scenography and stage management. These rehearsals will culminate in final performance of the piece ‘How Fish Climb Trees’ in March 2016.

In addition to the live theatre performances, an exhibition of rehearsal photographs and a short film sharing the rehearsal process and the final performance will be displayed at Louise House in Shrewsbury.

Marion Youens, CEO of A4U is delighted by this new venture and is looking forward to watching the development of the Theatre Company and growing confidence of Hub Members as they try out new activities in areas where they would not normally feel comfortable.

Marion said:

‘We are looking forward to Hub members developing theatre skills as well as being able to enhance their everyday life and communication skills.”

Hannah Prior, Creative Director of Ignition is excited to be directing this new and innovative piece of theatre. Having already begun working with the members of the Hub she is excited to be developing and nurturing the creative talent within it.

Hannah commented:

“It is great to be collaborating with our local artists and the members of the Hub to create this exciting new piece of theatre.”

Further information

  1. Final performances will be at Louise House, Shrewsbury and The Old Dairy Studios, Church Stretton in March 2016. Dates are to be confirmed. The final exhibition to be at Louise House in April 2016.
  2. The project is funded for 20 weeks by Arts Council England as research and development project.
  3. Other organisations at Louise House will contribute to the project including ‘Men in Sheds’ who will offer practical support in set and prop building.