Artists, Productions and Events
Masque of the Red Death was crreated and devised by PunchDrunk, an amazing production company based in the UK, in 2007. Viewers saw the works of Edgar Allan Poe as they made their way around the building from room to room, making their own story until the big finale set-up in the Grand Hall. Participants were instructed to wear a mask to set the scene even more effectively, creating a spooky atmosphere that would send a chill down the spine of any fully grown adult. 2007
Nic Green is one of Britain's most unique and exciting young artists. She is best known for her award-winning 'Trilogy' which received an estimated 1,000 participants, and received the Arches Award for Theatre Directors, a Dublin Fringe Festival Award and a Herald Angel, as well as her production of "The Graduates" in 2008 at the Arts Center from June to July. 2013
Kazuko Hohki was originally born in Tokyo but moved to London in 1978. She founded the production group, "Frank Chickens" and in 2010, her group won the Edinburgh Comedy God Award. Kazuki Hohki has been producing theatre performances since the 90's. It was her ability of being able to tell a story that could relate to all her viewers, her originality and unique style of art that lead her to be comisioned by us, the Battersea Arts Centre. Since being commisioned by the BAC, Hohki has produced productions such as "My Husband is a Spaceman" and "Toothless" from 2005-2008.
November the 15th, 2013 was the 120th anniversary of the Battersea Town Hall, built in 1893. Visitors and the people of Battersea stood on the building's stairs by the main entrance and held a toast representing the continued contribution to the local community and all the help and effort put in since it was built in 1893.
The Mayor of Wandsworth, Angela Graham and artists and staff who worked/work at the Battersea Arts Centre over the last several decades. Sir Edward Lister (head of Wandsworth Council in 2011 and a large role in the buildings anniversary), Joan O'Pray MBE (BAC Board Member) and Richard Dufty ( Senior Producer at BAC) spoke a few words, all hosted by Will Dickie. 2013
This production of Macbeth was directed by Tom Morris who was also the Artistic Director of the BAC at that time. In an interview leading up to the showing of Macbeth at BAC, Morris was asked "Why are you directing Shakespeare at the BAC?". His reply was "One of the things we are trying to do at BAC is ask ourselves why anyone should either bother making or going to see theatre. One of the richest answers to that question, for me, is the fact that in a theatre, an audience can't sit back. if an audience is going to get anything out of their theatrical experience, it has to be something they create with their imagination".
Later on in the interview he goes on to say that each viewer has their own world, in the theatre and by using a famous Shakespeare play, viewers will be able to dive deeper into the mysterious mind of murder, as well the fact that Macbeth is speaking all the time, unlike other characters in Shakespeare's plays, making it slightly unique.
Homegrown at BAC is a select group of 13-21 year olds who work together with professional artists to create innovative and original pieces of theatre, which are performed at Battersea Arts Centre. Workshops are also set up, linked to Homegrown at the Battersea Arts Center every Thursday evening where young people can turn up and develop their skills and performance ability in Theatre, Music or Dance, or simply to come down and check out new free shows that are on offer at the BAC. "A ONCE IN A LIFE TIME OPPPORTUNITY YOU WILL NEVER FORGET". 2012
Tom Marshman is an amazing artist who produced a widely succcesful production called "Legs 11" in 2012. This production follows Tom, a man who has just found a new sense of courage, who jumps head first into the world of beauty, pageants and gender misadventure, who also conveys a brave story of misfits, hospital visits and rejuvenation. This production, broadcast at the BAC in 2012, won the EMBRACE ARTS DISABLED ARTISTS COMMISION. 2012
The Good Neighbour is a production that was originally played in 2012 but was played again in 2013 due to its popularity. This was set up in the Battersea Arts Centre house, with EVERY room with its own magical story all leading to the end where everyone comes together and gather outside of the house.
Meet George Neighbour, the man who became a hero a few days before Christmas over one hundred years ago. George’s memories have been lost within the enchanting maze of rooms in Battersea Arts Centre’s old town hall. Lively investigators are invited on a thrilling journey to uncover his story, delving into magical worlds and meeting curious characters as part of an exciting adventure full of festive wonder. (BAC WEBSITE). 2012-2013.