Producing high quality black British musical-theatre and developing black artists.
Since the launch of the Black Theatre Co-operative in 1979, the company has produced over 40 shows with a strong commitment to encourage, commission, devise and produce new writing by black British artists.
In 1996, Felix Cross became Artistic Director of the company giving it new momentum and drive, while continuing its tradition of combining black music styles and drama. Among the most recent productions, Iced (1997) by Ray Shell, 'Up Against the Wall' (1999) by Paulette Randall and Felix Cross, and 'Passports to the Promised Land' (2001) by Felix Cross have been acclaimed by critics and audiences. In 1999, the company changed its name and the Nitro Theatre Company was born. With 'Nitro' began a new phase in its exploration of contemporary black British musical theatre.
Throughout the summer, Nitro has been as busy as ever. Having finished a project at Hammersmith and West London College with three performances of 'Shadowdance', a show developed in conjunction with the college students, Nitro found themselves working amongst the professional performers of tomrorow. If their dedication, commitment and talent is any indication, the future of theatre is in safe hands.
Future projects for Nitro include 'The Evocation of Pap Mas', a collaboration with 'Told by an Idiot'. This one-week workshop will explore how the story can be driven by music and song. Papa Mas' will use physical theatre, clowning, acrobatics, music and song. A visual and musical feast, Papa Mas' is a fantastical love story inspired by Trinidad's carnival tradition.
Nitro and Contact in Manchester will also collaborate on a new project entitled 'Twilight', a tale set in the world of illegal car parks, ticket touts, drug dealing, prostitution and dodgy mini cabs.
For more information about Nitro, their past work and their future projects, contact them direct on 0207 609 1331 or visit the website, www.nitro.co.uk.
Nitro
