YOUNG EUROPE A co-production with Polka Theatre Supported by: Arts Council England, Association of London Government, Esmee Fairbairn Foundation and The Foyle Foundation Sweetpeter written by: John Retallack with Usifu Jalloh, UK Piccoli Angeli (Little Angels) by: Marco Baliani, Italy (translated by Teresa Ariosto) Mamie Ouate (Kadouma's Island) by: Joël Jouanneau & Marie-Claire Le Pavec, France (translated by Alan Pollock) Directed by: John Retallack and Annie Wood Assistant Directors: Chris Rolls, Kitty Winter Cast: Lee Hart, Liza Hayden, Ewart James Walters, Leroy Liburd, Nina Kristofferson, Sidney Smith Dates: 17 March – 19 June 2003 The project aimed at introducing new and challenging theatre work from Europe to writers, directors, teachers, theatre managers and audiences from London and the South East region by translating and producing some of the most interesting and successful European plays for children and young people. Young Europe was set up to highlight how high quality theatre designed for younger audiences can break age boundaries and become attractive to adult audiences and a rewarding experience for all. The project translated and produced three European plays for young people. These were first performed at Polka Theatre and then taken on a six-week experimental mixed tour of conventional and daylight’ spaces. REVIEWS: “The script elucidates complex issues with subtlety and tact, by turns heart-warming, harrowing and periodically hilarious. Best of all is the way the characters linger, utterly believably. It is the kind of play that can change a person's perspective indefinitely.” Time Out “Using choreography and song, writer-director Retallack has honed a new style of movement-based theatre that offers insights into the cycle of existence without the aid of naturalism. The visual images that emerge tell a tale of universal significance.” The Stage