Photo Credit – Ian Kingsnorth
Wildworks Theatre, recognised as the UK’s premier landscape theatre company, has embarked on an ambitious engagement program titled “Hello Stranger” as part of its 18-month celebration, We Are Shining. This initiative, supported by Cornwall Council’s Good Growth programme, aims to unlock a myriad of untold stories across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, marking the largest theatre engagement program ever staged in the region.
With a substantial team of over 60 artists, Wildworks is set to explore the rich tapestry of Cornwall’s history, myths, and character through various creative projects. These include collaborations with St Petrocs, a leading homelessness charity, and a unique project pairing nine Cornish artists with refugees, culminating in a touring installation designed to bridge communities and share diverse narratives.
“Hello Stranger” seeks to engage a wide array of communities, from disadvantaged youths and people living with disabilities to Women’s Institute members and those in the farming and hospitality sectors. The initiative also introduces Death Cafes, gatherings designed to encourage open conversations about life’s end over food and drink.
A significant component of this project involves partnerships with secondary schools and colleges throughout Cornwall, offering one-day workshops and intensive collaborations with five selected schools. These educational engagements are aimed at introducing students to innovative theatre practices and involving them in the broader narrative of their community.
Emma Hogg, CEO of Wildworks, emphasised the inclusivity and breadth of “Hello Stranger,” stating, “Our ambition is to engage with as many different people as possible across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, working with schools, colleges, and a host of diverse groups and organisations.” The project aims to foster conversations and collaborations, bringing together a wide range of ideas, artefacts, and stories on an unprecedented scale.
We Are Shining not only celebrates Cornwall’s tradition of welcoming strangers and its community spirit but also aims to culminate in an open-air spectacular this autumn, showcasing the stories and creativity sparked by the project. The initiative began with RE:WILD, a training program designed to equip individuals and organisations with new skills, fostering internal networks and collaborative opportunities essential for the creative sector’s growth.
Funded by Cornwall Council’s Good Growth Programme and the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, We Are Shining represents a significant investment in Cornwall’s creative landscape. Wildworks, supported by Arts Council England and National Lottery funding, continues to play a pivotal role in enriching the cultural and artistic fabric of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
For more information on Wildworks go to: www.wildworks.org.uk
