THE stage is set for the new-look York Mystery Plays which were launched this week with a new artistic director with a background in stand-up comedy at the helm.
York's famous religious productions, rebranded this week at Bedern Hall, York, as York Youth Mysteries 2008, are receiving a 21st century update courtesy of the city's young people in a ground-breaking project led by York Council.
The aim is to in
troduce a whole new generation of residents to the plays, which date back to medieval times, and bring them up to date by incorporating a range of creative mediums, including dance, film-making, circus and song.
Months of work by young people aged between 16 and 25 years will culminate in a day of spectacular free performances in and around York city centre on Saturday June 21.
More than 300 young people will take to the streets to present their own unique interpretation of the internationally-acclaimed plays, which interpret Biblical tales from the Creation to the Last Judgment.
Stephen Burke, a freelance director, has been appointed creative director of the project. He has a varied background in theatre, including experience of stand-up comedy, youth theatre and directing performances for companies across the UK.
He said: "I am delighted to have this opportunity to lead the creative direction of the York Youth Mysteries 2008. It's a massive undertaking, not just for me but for all of the parties involved.
"I am very excited about working with all the groups as they re-imagine these plays though contemporary performance."
Gill Cooper, the council's head of arts and culture, explained: "We know that other cities perform mystery plays, but this project is unique to York, which is why we're so proud of the work that the team of young people are doing.
"We've tried to give the young people a free reign in how they interpret the original mystery plays, with the only proviso being that performances on the day are original and a reflect a range of contemporary art forms.
"With so many youngsters taking part, this is a huge project for the team and I think there could be a few nerves as we get closer to the finale, but we're hoping it will be spectacular."
Kate Moores, an MA student, is part of a team of volunteers gaining valuable experience by being given the task of marketing and promoting the performance day.
She continued: "It's a very exciting project and I have been getting involved in design and print, distribution, partner meetings, presentations and web updates.
"With hundreds of young people getting involved, it's great to feel part of a team of creative individuals who are all getting stuck-in and making things happen, with the support and guidance of the City of York Council arts and culture service."
York Council is teaming up with York College, York Theatre Royal, York St John University and the Riding Lights Theatre Company for the project, the patrons of which are Dame Judi Dench, Archbishop Dr John Sentamu and Jane Oakshott.
The world's biggest festival of sword dancing, which is being held in York over the bank holiday weekend of May 23-26 , has received a £9,609 grant from the Big Lottery's Awards for All fund. The event will see 700 dancers from 50 groups perform on the city's streets.
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