The Festival showcased 18-full-length performances from the best of Somerset theatre, dance and spoken word, hinged around two days of Open Space debate, workshops and showcases, specifically designed to support practitioners and generate stimulating debate within the Somerset Arts community.
Co Director of Theatre at Take Art, Mark Helyar, said, "We took a risk by completely re-inventing Made in Somerset this year. It paid off - the festival has been amazing, full of positive energy, great ideas and a vast range of live performances, workshops and inspiring debate. Our challenge now is to capitalise on the success of the festival to enable artists and companies to make work and flourish."
Highlights of the Festival included the Open Space debate at The Brewhouse Theatre (Friday 7 Oct) and the Practitioners Day in Langport (Saturday 8 October).
Festival organiser and Co-Director of Take Art Theatre Sarah Peterkin said,
“The Open Space debate attracted nearly 50 arts professionals and it was great to be in a room surrounded by such a wealth of experience. The provocations were provocative, the Open Space sessions were vibrant and stimulating and the cheese and crackers were delicious. On Sat 8 October we welcomed 68 theatre and dance practitioners, as well as a number of students and graduates to venues around Langport for a jam-packed day of workshops and presentations, culminating in a performance of light on the River Parrett.”
Another huge success was Take Art’s co-commissioned work CountryBoy’s Struggle, a solo show by the extremely talented hip hop artist and performer Maxwell Golden. CountryBoy’s Struggle toured four venues during the Festival and received an incredible response from audiences and venues.
Sarah went onto say, “I have many, many highlights, a few of which are standing on the riverbank at sunset listening to beautiful music from the Tim Hill ensemble, sipping cider whilst watching half a dozen beautifully decorated little boats travelling down the river Parrett. A perfect Somerset ending to a great Festival.”
For press information, or to arrange an interview please call Louise Monks on 01460 249450 or email louise@takeart.org