Sponsors & Supporters
"I would like to offer my support to the Open Door Theatre Company and to Ekspan in this exciting collaboration. Although it is now 60 years since George Orwell wrote his iconic book, 1984, it's influence on our culture and language has been enormous and it's message that "totalitarianism, if not fought against, could triumph anywhere" (Collected Essays of George Orwell) is as relevant today as it was in the years following the second world war. To bring innovative and challenging productions into the community and to be able to inform and enlighten our audience has always been a major part of our theatrical heritage and I wish everyone involved in this production the greatest success".
EKSPAN LTD
Ekspan based in Sheffield, since its formation in 1990, has become a well established and respected specialist engineering company focused on structural products that allow buildings, bridges and heavy loads to move or ‘breathe’ with temperature change and weather effects.
The nature of our business and the services we provide, on projects both nationally and internationally, fortunately allows us to work and interact with so many very interesting people on all levels, from different backgrounds and cultures. We are very passionate about our work, “Bridging the Years, Supporting the future”, but this statement equally applies to caring about people within our local communities and giving support in whatever way we can.
Ekspan are very happy to be working and fully supporting this joint venture with Open Door Theatre. It’s a great opportunity to provide an exciting stage production in such unusual settings. Knowing that people (both local and national, whether they are theatre goers or not) will gain immense pleasure and their lives be enriched as a result of this experience, can only be a good thing.
This is Ekspan’s contribution in engaging and giving something back to the Sheffield community, and to help make theatre accessible for everyone’s enjoyment.
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OPEN DOOR THEATRE
Staging 1984 as live theatre is a celebration of the work of one of the UK’s finest writers of the 20th century. Its purpose is to present a live recreation of the story and world of 1984 as seen through Orwell’s eyes.
Whilst the book has been adapted for film and television, stage versions up until now have been rare. Perhaps the reason is that to capture the depth and dark elements 1984 represent, become a limiting factor in a live presentation. How to get inside the mind of Winston Smith and present his struggle to break out of his confined existence offers a major challenge to any actor or director.
The world of 1984 is big; it operates on multi levels of consciousness and therefore it needs be big to make a serious impact to challenge its audience. The advantage of producing this play in the chosen environment is that it provides the opportunity to do exactly that.
Working with Ekspan Ltd, the Open Door Theatre Company has a unique and rare opportunity to work as an artist does with a complete blank canvas (in this case a canvas of some 15,000 square feet). Whilst there are some obvious logistical challenges, nevertheless the available space removes many of the limitations of a conventional theatre venue.
The world of 1984 is a hard place where the citizens work hard, for long hours with very little reward. Sheffield is a steel city with an underlying culture of hard work and endeavour. In the heyday of the steel industry, Sheffield steel formed a backbone to the both the UK and the wider world economy in the increasing demands for producing things. Whilst the world has changed to more global based economies, Sheffield still stands as a beacon to achievement and innovation.
This said, putting 1984 on as a play at a working factory venue right in the heart of Sheffield’s industrial heritage seems appropriate to the city and to the work itself.
It is the intention of all concerned to build and create the world of 1984 into which the audience will enter. Your visit to the world of Big Brother will be much more than a simple entertainment to be enjoyed – it will be an experience to remember forever.
visit << www.opendoortheatre.co.uk
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ARTS COUNCIL ENGLAND
Mairead Turner, Performing Arts Officer, Arts Council England, Yorkshire, said: 'Arts Council England is pleased to support this new partnership between Open Door Theatre and Ekspan and their site specific theatre production. We hope that our lottery award will enable new audiences to experience a modern interpretation of 1984 in an unusual setting and Open Door Theatre to respond creatively to a great opportunity and space'. October 09
visit www.artscouncil.org.uk/
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SHEFFIELD THEATRES
Sheffield Theatres comprises three distinctive performance venues, the Crucible, Lyceum and Studio Theatres. Together they form the largest regional theatre complex outside London and provide a wide variety of live entertainment from drama to dance, musicals to live talks.
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READHUNT
Steve, Mike and all at Read Hunt are proud to be associated with Independent Theatre in Sheffield, and wish everyone involved success with this innovative and exciting project.
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SHEFFIELD CITY COUNCIL
"We are delighted to see that Ekspan has partnered up with the Open Door Theatre Company to produce 1984. It is wonderful to see a private sector company supporting the arts in this way and we wish you all the greatest success in your endeavours. Hopefully this will lead to many new collaborations across the sectors - you are an inspiration to both business and creative practice. Please do come out in your droves to support this exciting venture!"
Amy Carter - Head of Arts, Museums and Cultural Promotion
visit << www.sheffield.gov.uk
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BLUEBELL WOOD CHILDREN’S HOSPICE
"Our charity is all about creating fun and lasting memories for the children that visit us and their families. This project should make for an unforgettable night out for Sheffield theatre-goers, with a fantastic production of a classic novel in a unique setting, whilst helping children in South Yorkshire get the care they need. We are delighted that Ekspan and the Opendoor Theatre Company have chosen Bluebell Wood as their nominated charity for this project."
Sarah Champion - Chief Executive of Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice
visit << www.bluebellwood.org
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WAKES SMITH & TOFIELDS
Wake Smith & Tofields is proud to be sponsoring the production of 1984 and hopes that everyone enjoys the play.
Wake Smith & Tofields provides expert advice in commercial and private client law. Our team of specialist solicitors have extensive experience and thoroughly understand the business and personal requirements of clients. Services include company & business law, corporate finance, IT/IP and new media, commercial property, employment law, litigation, dispute resolution, debt recovery, wills & probate, family law, residential property and personal injury.
For more information please visit www.wake-smith.com
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CHINESE SHEFFIELD STUDENT ASSOCIATION
Miss Yili Zhao - Chairwomen of CSSA
Chinese Music in the Bar Before and after performance on Monday 16th November 2009