Happy 7th Birthday to Beyond Face CIC!
Seven years ago, Beyond Face was launched with our Summer school for young people, shortly after followed by our first production of Mixed Grill that toured across the UK. Since then we’ve collaborated with a variety of organisations, communities and individuals. In celebration of our Birthday we wanted to share seven Beyond Face highlights, alongside some kind words that our friends have kindly decided to share with us. Thank you to everyone who has helped to create MOJs (moments of joy) with us over the years, we’re feeling confident and enthusiastic about the year ahead. Here’s to many more years of creating as Artists, alongside providing opportunities for Global Majority Artists to live, work and thrive in the South West theatre sector.
Relaunching our new logo and brand, at the end of 2021 we relaunched as a South West based company, working with artists, schools and young people across the region, including Plymouth, Exeter, Devon and Bristol! It’s been such a joy seeing and interacting with all the talented and inspiring people and communities.
We have created five stage productions, one Digital stage production reaching international audiences. Alongside several commissions a year for smaller scale production/performances.
International: In 2019 we welcomed Bhekithemba Dlamini from Durban South Africa to join us for our development phase of 2,000 stories. This year we were reunited digitally and had the opportunity to work with Bheki alongside the ARROW SA team and South Roots International, Cape Town. We are already in discussions on our next international collaboration together.
Artists: Over the 7 years we have employed 45 artists of the Global Majority through various creative projects. 31 of them are based in the South West, highlighting why our artist development programme is called We are here.
Young People: A highlight for us in 2018 we worked in partnership with Plymouth Music Zone to create a brand new musical written by Titilola Dawudu Where’s Abi? We still often find ourselves singing those catchy tunes!
The Beyond Ensemble was an opportunity for us to meet with recent graduates and support their next steps into the industry. A highlight for us is seeing many of them pursue their dreams of becoming Drama teachers, actors or venturing into different areas. We are very proud of them all.
The creation of MOJ: Finding our Moments of Joy, as we all know it's been a tough few years for us all. Creating the term MOJ in our team has brought a lot of smiles and hilarious discussions both within the team and on our projects. Sometimes the work can be tough and this is our way to bring positivity and connectedness as a company.
‘Working with Beyond Face is something that I still think about to this day. During my time at University I struggled to find representation to keep me motivated in pursuing a career in theatre/drama. Beyond Face was the representation I needed. I value the time and the space Alix and the Beyond Face team provided for people who look like me in an area where I was an anomaly. Working with Beyond Face definitely did have an impact on my Career path. Through working with the Youth Company I realised that working with young people in drama/theatre was something that I was passionate about resulting in me now being a Drama Teacher at a mixed Secondary School in East Ham. So a massive Thank You to the Beyond Face Team :)’
'Beyond Face was an amazing help during what was one of the most confusing times of my life with regards to my race and identity. I am so so happy that I got to participate in an initiative like that, and was part of a family that taught me to be me. I wish all the kids of colour who feel “bothered” can experience what I felt being a part of this wonderful team'
'Beyond Face have had a huge impact on my personal development as an artist and career. Being a writer didn’t feel like a possibility for me until I started working with Beyond Face who created space and opportunities for me to realise my potential. They have been a mentor, ally, and cheerleader for me as an emerging artist and I wouldn’t be where I am today in my career if it wasn’t for their continued support. Happy 7th Birthday! Thank you for all that you do.'
