Northumbria graduates ‘rendezvous’ with Live Theatre to honour memory of celebrated writer

A pair of Northumbria graduates will have their work showcased at Live Theatre in an event marking the 10^th anniversary of Julia Darling’s death.

Nina Berry, an English Literature and Creative Writing graduate, was one of five writers commissioned to write a short play inspired by the life and work of the poet, playwright and novelist. She will be joined by another graduate from the University, Anna Ryder, who studied Performance at Northumbria, and will be directing this week’s special production alongside Clive Judd and Live Theatre’s Artistic director, Max Roberts. The plays will be performed together at Live Theatre as Rendezvous, a unique event celebrating Julia’s life and work through new writing.

Nina’s work will be featured alongside four other writers, including former collaborators of the company, Laura Lindow and Deborah Bruce, as well as debutant, Holly Reed Macrae. All five writers received mentoring from award-winning screenwriter, Karin Young. The final plays feature everything from mysterious love letters and big decisions to a true story of two friends and a mix tape. Nina’s piece, entitled 10 Minutes to…, was inspired by Julia’s letter writing, which she interweaved into her own plays, Venetia Love Goes Netting and The Last Post. Drawing on this idea, 10 minutes to… features two awkward individuals whose worlds collide due to an accidental letter.

Gez Casey, Literary Manager at Live Theatre said: “Julia Darling was a writer in residence at Live Theatre from 2001 to 2003. In the 10th anniversary year of Julia’s death we wanted to create an event which celebrates Julia’s life and writing but also one which summed up her passion for encouraging writers and emerging artists to make new work.”

Rendezvous will be shown at Live Theatre from 28 May to 6 June, with tickets costing £14 to £10 full price, £12 to £10 for over 60s and other concessions are £5. For more info go to www.live.org.uk

Northumbria offers a range of courses in Performance, English Literature and Creative Writing disciplines, including the new MA Theatre and Performance, which launches in September. This new course, based in the Northumbria Performing Arts (NPA) hub, will offer a unique bespoke industry experience tailored to your specialism and professional ambition.

To find out more about these courses at the University, register for Northumbria’s Open Days on Friday 26 and Saturday 27 June at www.northumbria.ac.uk/openday