NATIONAL THEATRE’S NATIONWIDE TOUR OF BACCHAE TO VISIT SCHOOLS ACROSS SALFORD IN PARTNERSHIP WITH LOWRY
PLUS EXCLUSIVE PUBLIC PERFORMANCES AT LOWRY ON 20-21 NOVEMBER
Young people across Salford will have the opportunity to watch a new version of the National Theatre’s production of Bacchae in their school halls as the nationwide schools tour gets underway.
In partnership with Lowry, the tour will visit Wardle Academy, Fred Longworth High School, Byrchall High School and Bedford High School from 16-21 November.
Following Bacchae's debut at the National Theatre as part of Indhu Rubasingham’s inaugural season, writer Nima Taleghani joins director Hannah Hauer-King to create an adapted version of the 2025 main-stage play in a new production specially designed for schools. This exciting interpretation of Euripides’ ancient Greek tragedy is brought to life through rhythm, movement and music.
In partnership with local theatres, the production will be seen by 7,000 young people from over 60 secondary schools and colleges across the country.
The cast includes Senam Akpokavi, Jessica Alade, Ross Foley, Daniel Forbes, Aminita Francis, Emma Manton, Lily Olufemi-Bywaters, Daniel Regan, Premi Tamang and Benjamin Wilson.
Writer Nima Taleghani said, "When I first started writing Bacchae, I wanted to make something that me and my friends from school would have enjoyed then and would enjoy now. Something that we would find challenging and tough and tricky then and that we would find challenging now, but in a totally different way. I never felt theatre needed to differentiate so heavily between work for young people and adults, low brow and high brow, accessible and elite. I always wanted to make something for community, that reflected reality, something grassroots and authentic: Bacchae Schools Tour is the play finally coming HOME”.
Director Hannah Hauer-King said, "Bacchae is a piece that encourages audiences to be suspicious of polarities, to embrace those that may appear different to us, and to question those who impose power. Nima Taleghani's brilliant adaptation shines a contemporary light on these themes, giving particular focus to the desire of everyone, even a God, to feel like they belong. It feels like the perfect show to take into schools - not only speaking to issues that impact young people today, but also through a classic text that may otherwise seem inaccessible or 'not for them'. I can't wait to see it reach an audience that otherwise may not have access to the National Theatre, and that will hopefully encourage young people to believe that they have a future watching or making theatre, should they want it."
In addition to seeing the show in their school hall, students will take part in interactive workshops exploring stage design and theatre-making skills. Alumni from the NT’s Introduction to Stage Management and Young Technicians initiatives will take on placements to support the tour, putting into practise the technical skills they have learnt through the programmes.
The artistic team also includes set and costume designer Natalie Johnson, lighting designer Bethany Gupwell, sound designer and composer Annie May Fletcher, movement director Kendra Horsburgh, dramaturg Jeanie O’Hare, associate director Callum Berridge, fight director Claire Llewellyn for Rc Annie Ltd and casting by Martin Poile CDG.
Plus, alongside the schools performances, Lowry will host the only public performances of the tour.
To book tickets for public performances of Bacchae at Lowry on 20-21 November visit thelowry.com