Complicite

Founded 1983. ‘…the most influential and consistently interesting theatre company working in Britain’ (The Times)
(52)

07/11/2024

“The first task of the theatre is to open the imagination. The second task is to share that imagination with others. The actor and audience meet on this common ground of imaginative play.” - Jacques Lecoq (The Moving Body)

Lecoq was a huge influence on us; in our formation and early years, and shaping the way we create to this day - through collective enquiry and collaborative curiosity.

Through extensive periods of research and development (R&D), we explore, experiment, and discover new stories by bringing together performers, designers, writers, artists and specialists from diverse fields, a process now simply known as ‘devising’.

This is a vital part of our practice, where we have the time and freedom to play with ideas and see where they take us.

Thank you to Hawkwood, Stroud who have been hosting us for some recent R&Ds.

Find out more about our story here: www.complicite.org/about-us/our-history

📸 Jack Offord

03/11/2024

During the 2004 Super Bowl halftime show finale, Justin Timberlake ripped off Janet Jackson’s top. Her breast was exposed on screen for nine sixteenths of a second. A pop icon and role model for many black women, the moment derailed Jackson’s career for many years while Timberlake’s thrived.

But who was invested in the backlash?
What does all this have to say about the ways in which black women are scrutinised in the public eye?

Paula Varjack is one of our Mudlarks artists and Nine Sixteenths has been developed with support from Complicité.

6 - 16 November | Pleasance Theatre

Find out more: www.pleasance.co.uk/event/nine-sixteenths

02/11/2024

Browse our shop for books, t-shirts, tote bags and more; including the 2024 revised edition Mnemonic playtext, Mnemonic - A Site and a limited-edition Mnemonic poster, both designed by Russell Warren-Fisher.

👉 www.complicite.org/shop

29/10/2024

The Axiom of Choice is playing at the Oxford Playhouse this November.

In this production, which includes some of Complicité's long-time collaborators, Professor Marcus du Sautoy delves into free will, war, and mathematics through the journey of mathematician André Weil. Traveling from France to India and Finland, Weil searches for answers to whether our choices are truly free or predetermined.

When: Monday 11 - Tuesday 12 November
Where: Oxford Playhouse, Beaumont Street, Oxford, United Kingdom, OX1 2LW

Find out more and book tickets here:

Written & co-directed by Marcus du Sautoy Co-directed by Lu Descourtier An exploration of free will, war and mathematics. From the Simonyi Professor f

28/10/2024

For the past four years, Simon McBurney and choreographer Crystal Pite have weaved their hopes and fears for our current moment into the urgent dance trilogy, Figures in Extinction.

The third and final work of Figures in Extinction will be making its world premiere at Aviva Studios, Manchester before touring the Netherlands in 2025.

Find out more: www.complicite.org/work/figures-in-extinction/

A co-production between Nederlands Dans Theater (NDT) and Complicité.

Co-commissioned by Factory International, Manchester. Co-produced by Schrit_tmacher Festival, Les Théâtres de la Ville de Luxembourg and Montpellier Danse.

24/10/2024

We are continuing to discover more work from some extraordinary Palestinian artists, both past and present, as a way of understanding the rich creative culture that is under attack 🇵🇸

This week, we are highlighting the anthology of essays Their Borders, Our World.

Arranged and introduced by the Palestine Festival of Literature (PalFest) and edited by Mahdi Sabbagh, Their Borders, Our World gathers voices from around the world to explore pressing themes of solidarity, political engagement and the challenges of confronting oppression and displacement. Through these essays, the authors reflect on the possibilities of fostering mutual understanding and support in the face of overwhelming adversity.

Find out more here: www.akpress.org/their-borders-our-world.html

We will share one post a week across our social media channels, and update this page on our website every week with the artists we spotlight: www.complicite.org/projects/voices-from-palestine

Image from AKPress website.

23/10/2024

Opportunity for practitioners and artists living and working in the South West.

Join us and Strike A Light for a one-day training workshop focused on movement and theatre. Explore new ways of connecting with your audience, develop your skills, and engage in an open discussion on new ways of working with performance art.

When: 10am-3:30pm, Tuesday 29th October
Where: ED Shed, 2 Quay St, Gloucester GL1 2PG
Cost: Free (only 15 spots available)
Travel bursaries available for South West practitioners.

Spaces are currently full, but you can email [email protected] to be added to the waiting list.

19/10/2024

Bring Complicité’s work into your classroom with our Digital Offer which provides UK and international schools and colleges online access to four Complicité digital works along with exclusive digital resources.

Each package includes our thirty-minute documentary, Complicité Does A Level Drama, which breaks down the devising process for students. Choose from:

⚫️ Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead + Complicité Does A Level Drama (£110)

⚫️ A Disappearing Number + Complicité Does A Level Drama (£60)

⚫️ Can I Live? + Complicité Does A Level Drama (£60)

⚫️ Can I Live? & A Disappearing Number + Complicité Does A Level Drama (£85)

The registration form for the 2024-2025 academic year is now open. Find out more here 🔗 : www.complicite.org/projects/digital-offer

Image: A Disappearing Number (c) Stephanie Berger

18/10/2024

We are living in the age of disconnection.

Can we ever hope to give a name to what we are losing?

What does it mean to bear witness to a violence in which we are both perpetrators and victims?

For the past four years, Simon McBurney and choreographer Crystal Pite have weaved their hopes and fears for our current moment into the urgent dance trilogy, Figures in Extinction.

In February 2025, we will present the complete series for the first time; bringing together parts 1 and 2, and premiering the third and final instalment at Aviva Studios, Manchester.

Learn more: www.complicite.org/work/figures-in-extinction

A co-production with Nederlands Dans Theater (NDT), performed by NDT 1 dancers.

Co-commissioned by Factory International.

Co-produced by Schrit_tmacher Festival, Les Théâtres de la Ville de Luxembourg, and Montpellier Danse.

📷 Rahi Rezvani

11/10/2024

During the 2004 Super Bowl halftime show finale, Justin Timberlake ripped off Janet Jackson’s top, exposing her breast on screen for nine sixteenths of a second. A pop icon and role model for many black women, and an outspoken ally for the lgbtq community, this moment derailed Jackson’s career for many years, while Timberlake’s thrived.

But who was invested in the backlash? And what does this say about the ways in which black women are scrutinised in the public eye?

Developed with Complicité as part of our Mudlarks programme, Nine Sixteenths is the latest work by artist Paula Varjack; a cultural odyssey to work out what happened and what is still happening...

6 - 16 Nov
Pleasance Theatre

Find out more and book tickets: www.pleasance.co.uk/event/nine-sixteenths

10/10/2024

We are continuing to discover more work from some extraordinary Palestinian artists, both past and present, as a way of understanding the rich creative culture that is under attack 🇵🇸

This week, we are highlighting the exhibition 'Art of Palestine | from the river to the sea' at P21 Gallery.

This exhibition showcases the culture, heritage and struggles of the Palestinian people through a diverse range of artistic expressions by over 25 Palestinian artists. Notable pieces include works by renowned artists Samia Halaby, Nabil Anani and a special display of children's artwork from Gaza, along with embroidery panels from The Palestinian History Tapestry.

This exhibit aims to foster dialogue and empathy, highlighting Palestinian art as a form of cultural resistance and resilience.

Until 21 Dec 2024
Entry fee: £5

Find out more about here: www.p21.gallery/current-exhibitions/art-of-palestine-from-the-river-to-the-sea

We will share one post a week across our social media channels, and update this page on our website every week with the artists we spotlight: www.complicite.org/projects/voices-from-palestine

Images from P21 Gallery website: Haya Kaabneh, Spring Mourning (2024) and Tala Abu Nuwar, Three Women with Oranges (2024).

09/10/2024

We had a Complicité team outing this week to see the incredible at Battersea Arts Centre - BAC, a solo show written and performed by Khalid Abdalla and presented by Fuel.

Opening with the words, 'Welcome to Nowhere. I’m going to share with you how I got here… And what ‘here’ actually means to me,' the performance takes the audience on an intricate and playful journey through Khalid’s personal history, shaped by his involvement in the Egyptian revolution of 2011 and the counter-revolution that followed.

Playing until 19 October, limited tickets remaining.

Find out more and book tickets: www.bac.org.uk/whats-on/nowhere

07/10/2024

For the past four years, Simon McBurney and choreographer Crystal Pite have weaved their hopes and fears for our current moment into the urgent dance trilogy, Figures in Extinction.

Last week, we were thrilled to announce that this award-winning triptych will have its world premiere in Manchester in February 2025.

Find out more and book tickets here: www.complicite.org/work/figures-in-extinction

A co-production with Nederlands Dans Theater (NDT).
Figures in Extinction [3.0] is co-commissioned by Factory International. Co-produced by Schrit_tmacher Festival, Les Théâtres de la Ville de Luxembourg and Montpellier Danse.

We are living in the age of disconnection. What does it mean to bear witness to a violence in which we are both perpetrators and victims?

04/10/2024

"Evidence for a man-made, disastrous climate catastrophe is very clear; now it's up to the storytellers to step up to the plate"
Tim Bell (Senior Creative Producer at Complicité)

Hear how theatre-makers at the National Theatre are driving change and adapting their creative processes to make productions more sustainable, including insights from Tim Bell, Senior Creative Producer here at Complicité.

Watch the video in full 🎥 youtu.be/gBfLfv1pHgw

Complicité believes that action on the Climate and Ecological Emergency is urgent and vital. We take responsibility for our impact on people and the planet, working to ensure that we create and tour productions as sustainably as possible. We also believe in the power and importance of our art as a form of advocacy on issues around the Climate and Ecological Emergency.

Find out more: complicite.org/about-us/climatecrisis

02/10/2024

Tickets are on sale now for Figures in Extinction at Aviva Studios.

📅 19 - 22 February 2025
📍 Manchester, UK

Book tickets here: factoryinternational.org/whats-on/figures-in-extinction

A co-production with Nederlands Dans Theater (NDT).

Co-commissioned by Factory International.

Co-produced by Schrit_tmacher Festival, Les Théâtres de la Ville de Luxembourg and Montpellier Danse.

30/09/2024

Figures in Extinction priority booking has opened for our Aficionado members today.

Our next priority booking window for our Accomplice and Ally members opens tomorrow morning at 10am.

Sign up today to be among the first to book tickets 👉
www.complicite.org/support-us

For 40 years, Complicité has been at the forefront of pioneering theatre, making art of exceptional quality and ambition. As a registered charity, fundraising is an essential part of our ecology. From £100 a year, you can play a vital role in Complicité’s future, supporting us to create unique ...

28/09/2024

We've got some new items in our online shop, including the 2024 revised edition of the Mnemonic playtext, a limited-edition Mnemonic poster designed by Russell Warren-Fisher and more.

Discover more here: www.complicite.org/shop

27/09/2024

We are continuing to discover more work from some extraordinary Palestinian artists, both past and present, as a way of understanding the rich creative culture that is under attack 🇵🇸

This week, we are highlighting Fragments Theatre مسرح شظايا

Founded in Jenin, Fragments Theatre is a theatre and cultural centre that connects artists with each other, with the local community, with other art scenes in Palestine and with the rest of the world. Through media, theatre and visual art, they ensure that local voices are heard, providing a safe space for people to interact and express themselves through artistic and cultural creations. They also help those vulnerable to manage stress and trauma through the arts.

Find out more about Fragments Theatre: fragmentstheatrepa.wixsite.com/fragmentstheatre

We will share one post a week across our social media channels, and update this page on our website every week with the artists we spotlight: www.complicite.org/projects/voices-from-palestine

Images from Fragments Theatre website.

Address

Studio 15, Jolt Studios, 27 St. Aldate Street
Gloucester
GL11RP

Website

http://www.complicite.org/

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Videos

During the 2004 Super Bowl halftime show finale, Justin Timberlake ripped off Janet Jackson’s top. Her breast was exposed on screen for nine sixteenths of a second. A pop icon and role model for many black women, the moment derailed Jackson’s career for many years while Timberlake’s thrived. But who was invested in the backlash? What does all this have to say about the ways in which black women are scrutinised in the public eye? Paula Varjack is one of our Mudlarks artists and Nine Sixteenths has been developed with support from Complicité. 6 - 16 November | Pleasance Theatre Find out more: www.pleasance.co.uk/event/nine-sixteenths

"Evidence for a man-made, disastrous climate catastrophe is very clear; now it's up to the storytellers to step up to the plate" Tim Bell (Senior Creative Producer at Complicité) Hear how theatre-makers at the National Theatre are driving change and adapting their creative processes to make productions more sustainable, including insights from Tim Bell, Senior Creative Producer here at Complicité. Watch the video in full 🎥 youtu.be/gBfLfv1pHgw Complicité believes that action on the Climate and Ecological Emergency is urgent and vital. We take responsibility for our impact on people and the planet, working to ensure that we create and tour productions as sustainably as possible. We also believe in the power and importance of our art as a form of advocacy on issues around the Climate and Ecological Emergency. Find out more: complicite.org/about-us/climatecrisis

Enowate Trailer (Dickson Mbi)

Make sure to see Dickson Mbi's, one of our 'Mudlarks: Supported By' artists, show Enowate at the Edinburgh Fringe this year. More info below 👇 Enowate 📍Pleasance Grand ⏰ 21-25 August, 12.30pm Presented as part of Here&Now - formerly HZN at Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2024 Winner of the 2023 Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in Dance. A dancer of extraordinary power and grace, Dickson Mbi summons multiple identities in this mesmerising solo performance inspired by a life-changing journey to his ancestral home in Cameroon. Enowate, meaning ‘truth stands’, draws on sinuous elements of hip-hop and contemporary dance in combination with original music and otherworldly animated projections. In asking the relatable question, ‘who am I?’, he connects with enigmatic forces to reveal himself and emerge from the shadows. 🔗 Tickets available here: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/enowate-here-now-showcase Visuals: Warren Du Preez & Nick Thornton Jones Co-commissioned by: Sadler's Wells, The Barbican, Dance East & The Lowry Supported by: Arts Council England, Complicité, Daniel Bailey & The Bush Theatre

'Feels Great. Very emotional. And, I'd forgotten how special it was.' Go behind the scenes with our exclusive access to the #Mnemonic backstage diary📹 Playing until 10 August only. A co-production with National Theatre Find out more: www.complicite.org/work/mnemonic

"This landmark show is more relevant than ever" (Financial Times) There's just two weeks remaining to see #Mnemonic. Join us in an exploration of memory, origins and our connection with nature - topics that resonate as deeply today as they did when #Mnemonic first debuted 25 years ago. Conceived & directed by Simon McBurney. A co-production with the National Theatre 📷 Johan Persson Must end 10 August. 🎟️ www.complicite.org/work/mnemonic

“I shall remember Mnemonic all of my life” Lyn Gardner, The Guardian (2003) Whether you first experienced #Mnemonic 25 years ago, or you have just watched it this summer at the National Theatre - we want to hear your thoughts, reflections and memories... Comment below and tell us your stories and journeys: what was it like to see #Mnemonic again, what resonated differently with the passage of time? What moments and memories will stay with you? This will be a rolling #callout during the run of #Mnemonic, so if you haven’t seen it yet there’s still time to book and share your responses with us: www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/productions/mnemonic You can also read our limited-edition new book #Mnemonic - A Site celebrating the enduring impact of the show as it is remembered and reimagined at the National Theatre. A beautiful compilation of anecdotes, artefacts and objects from 25 years of #Mnemonic, designed by Russel Warren-Fisher. www.complicite.org/shop/mnemonic-a-site

“Your role as a set designer is to provide for those scenarios that are developing in the rehearsal room” Michael Levine, the set designer behind Mnemonic, shares his insights on bringing the show to life. #Mnemonic is now playing at the National Theatre until 10 August. 🎟️www.complicite.org/work/mnemonic

"Mnemonic - A Site" is coming soon 📚 Complicité's #Mnemonic book launches on 2 July 2024, featuring reflections from Takumã Kuikuro, Toby Jones, Frances McDormand, and more. Preorder now to explore decades of artistry: www.complicite.org/shop/mnemonic-a-site/ Designed by Russell Warren-Fisher.

"My name is Khalid Abdalla and I'm going to share with you a little about how memory actually works..." 🧠 25 years since its debut, our 'astonishing, transfixing, transcendent' (The New York Times) show #Mnemonic returns at the National Theatre. Exploring how, why and what we remember; individually and collectively. 📅22 June - 10 August 🎟️ www.complicite.org/work/mnemonic/ A co-production with the National Theatre.

Moving into Week 6 of rehearsals for #Mnemonic Take a look at these rehearsal images from the archive 👀 Discover more and book tickets here: www.complicite.org/work/mnemonic/ 📷Hannes Flaschberger

Think back two hours ago Where are you? Is this a memory? Or your imagination? 25 years since its first staging, #Mnemonic will return this summer. 📍Olivier Theatre | National Theatre 📅22 Jun – 10 Aug Find out more: www.complicite.org/work/mnemonic/ A co-production with National Theatre.

Full company of Mnemonic announced

Just announced: Mnemonic company ❄️ Meet the full cast and creative team taking our ‘astonishing, transfixing, transcendent’ (The New York Times) show to the Olivier stage National Theatre this summer. Conceived and directed by Simon McBurney. Read more: bit.ly/3Qws3ay Among those joining previously announced original cast members Richard Katz and Kostas Philippoglou is Tim McMullan, also returning from the original company. They are joined by Khalid Abdalla, Thomas Arnold, Laurenz Laufenberg, Hisham Abdel Razek, Sarah Slimani, Sophie Steer, Eileen Walsh and Arthur Wilson. Also returning from the original company is set designer Michael Levine, costume designer Christina Cunningham, lighting designer Paul Anderson and sound designer Christopher Shutt. They are joined by video designer Roland Horvath for rocafilm, casting director Alastair Coomer CDG, associate set designer Peter Butler, associate video designer Hayley Egan, assistant sound designer Bella Kear and associate director Christina Deinsberger. Don’t miss your chance to see Mnemonic. Its study of origins, memory, human relationships with nature and how this has shaped patterns of migration remains as strikingly relevant today as it was 25 years ago. A Complicité and National Theatre co-production. 22 June - 10 August. Find out more and book tickets 🎟️ nationaltheatre.org.uk/productions/mnemonic