Emma Rice, Artistic Director of Shakespeare’s Globe, has announced the creation of a new theatre company, Wise Children.
The company will be based in the South West of England, and will work in partnership with venues to create innovative and world class ensemble theatre to tour nationally and internationally.
The company will also create a training and apprenticeship scheme, ‘Emma Rice’s School for Wise Children’ which aims to develop skills across the sector, training independent artists and diversifying the creative workforce.
Wise Children has been awarded £475,000 funding by the Arts Council South West, becoming one of their National Portfolio Organisations from April 2018.
Emma Rice said she was “delighted that the Arts Council South West have chosen to support Wise Children. Anyone starting up a new theatre company in the current climate struggles against the odds to get started, and the Arts Council have given us a much-needed chance to begin our journey.” She added “I look forward to growing Wise Children to become the inclusive, passionate and imaginative company I know it will be. We will nurture and support diverse new voices and talent, bringing them together with the most brilliant and creative established artists and practitioners in the industry. This is a movement with a commitment to the generous exchange of skills, humanity and ideas at its heart. We are looking forward to welcoming everyone to share in our journey and to celebrate the power of theatre and all the curiosity, bravery and freedom it brings.”
Rice was controversially forced out of the Globe after only 2 season in what was seen as a battle between the traditionallist’s and Rice’s innovative and contemporary approach.
When she eventually broke her silence on the matter Rice said she left because of a lack of respect from the board, and exclusion “from the rooms where decisions are made”.
Rice is yet to announce the first season of Wise Children.
