Quirkspace is a company that was formed in 2018 and has always been about creating bold and exciting theatre. With a range of artists and quirky/unconventional venues, the company has produced theatre in spaces that aren’t really known about and aren’t put to artistic use.
The discovery of more hidden gems, particularly in London, that Quirkspace could use to present shows, became the driving force behind the company. It has so far produced two shows; one a spoken word event in a railway archway, and the second was an all-female Othello in a warehouse in North London. Both the events were hugely successful, being sell-out shows, but the all-female Othello was the company’s personal highlight.
The fact that the team transformed an empty warehouse into the world of the play, through making an immersive walkway into the main theatre, adding music, lighting, barriers, graffiti and more, made everything come together, and gave the team “shivers”.
One thing that the company notes is that they were so grateful that their first audience was willing and brave enough to follow a soldier with a torch through a dark warehouse district, in the dark, in the middle of cold November. They hope that “future audiences are as brave”.
Quirkspace is continuing to create innovative theatre this summer. The revival of its all-female Othello, directed by Danäe Cambrook, will be playing at the Brunel Museum Tunnel from 19 to 22 May 2019.
The Brunel Museum Tunnel was in fact the world’s first underground theatre: before the trains came, the chamber echoed with applause for acrobats, tightrope walkers and serenaders. The tunnel is atmospheric, gloomy and haunting, which is perfect for Othello.
Before the show comes to The Tunnel, Quirkspace will be collaborating with The Play On Theatre Company to bring the show to the Shakespeare Fest at the Cockpit Theatre on 8 and 9 May. Othello by Quirkspace will be playing alongside As You Like It, and you can get a ticket to both using the code PLAYON for a discount.
The team find that utilising and creating site-specific responsive theatre helps to grow a performance. Quirkspace are dedicated to breaking conventions in more ways than one. They also strive to have a real mix of creatives and do not focus on how much experience people have – the variety of people involved makes the work “so much more exciting!”
Quirkspace are always open to suggestions! If anyone is inspired by the work that Quirkspace produces and wants to collaborate, email the company on quirkspace.othello@gmail.com to have a chat with the team!
Quick Fire Questions
In the theatre world, who inspires you? “Nicholas Hytner” What is your favourite show that you’ve seen? “Emilia” and “my all time favourite is Thebes Land at the Arcola” What is your favourite genre of theatre? “I basically love anything that makes me feel or think something. If I’ve left the theatre crying or laughing or pondering over something new, then it’s been a good show” What do you think we need more of in theatre? “inclusivity” and “more baby/parent viewings of shows”
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