Suffrage Theatre Work Set To Tour Tees Valley

Tees Valley Combined Authority | Published on: 6th August 2018

The powerful story of women’s suffrage is set to be told across Tees Valley in a new theatrical work debuting later this week.

The Glass Ceiling, produced by theatre group Periplum, is an ambitious work to mark 100 years since British women were first given the right to vote. It brings to life the stories of the region’s activists through live performance, projection, pyrotechnics and aerial acrobatics.

Periplum will engage an audience of up to 15,000 during the tour, along with more than 1,000 young people and community members in a major participation programme through schools, colleges and community organisations, involving workshops, training and performances.

The show, which received £85,000 of funding from Tees Valley Combined Authority, will premiere at Trinity Green as part of Stockton International Riverside Festival on Friday 3rd August at 10pm, with a second performance the following evening.

The free show will then visit Darlington on Friday 7th September, Redcar on Friday 5th October, Hartlepool on Friday 19th October and Middlesbrough on Saturday 27th October.

Dave Budd, Mayor of Middlesbrough and Tees Valley Combined Authority cabinet member for culture, said: “Inspiring women from across Tees Valley played a huge part in fighting for equality, democracy and their right to vote. We can’t forget the monumental change they made and it’s fantastic this will be brought to life for the public and in schools.

“We’re delighted to have a hand in telling this story, especially when it’s being told with such energy, passion and talent. Personal, powerful shows like this are just one part of a terrific cultural landscape which will back up our City of Culture 2025 bid, which is currently under way.”

Damian Wright and Claire Raftery, Artistic Directors at Periplum, said: “This project is a great opportunity to celebrate Tees Valley’s history of social activism and progressive thinking. The show is based on real stories of local individuals and groups from across the five boroughs.

“These were incredibly inspiring women and men who went through self-sacrifice to campaign for a better society and drove the fight to win the vote for all a century ago. We can take inspiration from them today as the battle for equality continues. We hope The Glass Ceiling is a fitting commemoration and celebration of these revolutionary souls.”

The piece also received funding from Tees Valley’s five Local Authorities, Arts Council England and Stockton International Riverside Festival.

To find out more of what’s on across the Tees Valley, visit enjoyteesvalley.com.

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