RUTH 2008 - 2010
Devised by No Nonsense Theatre Company
Directed by Amy Leach
RUTH is a biblical tale of how two women survive against all odds. Celebrating the diversity of cultures that enrich today's society, RUTH explores our freedom of choice and our right to a voice. A visual feast weaving a tale of courage and humanity, it incorporates puppetry, mask and original music to produce a beautifully dynamic piece of theatre to be enjoyed by all.
Ruth is available to tour to theatres, arts venues, schools, community halls.
Suitable for children aged 7 +
Contact No Nonsense Theatre for further information.
For technical details click here - Technical Rider RUTH 2010.doc
Designed by Chris Gylee
Music By Dan Willis
Lighting Designed by Gareth Starkey
Masks made by Vanessa Card and Lisa O’Hanlon
Puppets made by Liz Fitzgerald-Taylor, Lisa O’Hanlon, Chris Gylee and Kat Ford
Puppet Specialist Rachel Riggs
Girl Friday Kat Ford
Project Co-ordinator Emily Lyons
RUTH has been two years in the making with many people and partners helping to shape it into a very special event.
The Waterside Arts Centre, The Lanternhouse International, Arts England North West and The Bible Society have supported No Nonsense Theatre Company throughout this exciting period.
From biblical times up to present day, women's voices have not been heard. Women's stories not told, women's worries not shared. Through the exploration of the Old Testament story of RUTH, it soon became clear that her story is one shared by many women living in the UK today. We decided that RUTH would take two forms - a production based on the biblical story and an art exhibition created by women currently living in the UK but with origins from all over the world.
RECRUITMENT OF WOMEN
Women living in Harpurhey, Crumpsall, Cumbria and Trafford began attending arts workshops, shared their stories, shared meals and memories with us and through this process created many wonderful pieces of art. Fellow artists leading these workshops commented on how much they have enjoyed meeting and working with “our women.”
Ruth performed at The Waterside arts Centre in Sale during October 2008. At the same time a full exhibition of "our women's" work was mounted and stayed at The Waterside until January 2009.
RUTH 2010
Further developments for RUTH are now happening! No Nonsense Theatre was approached by The Boaz Trust in Harpurhey to co-ordinate an exhibition of work for REFUGEE WEEK 2010. The Company was also asked to stage RUTH at Manchester Cathedral as part of the celebrations. So, Artistic Directors Liz & Lisa resumed their relationship with Refugee and Asylum seeker women in Manchester by running a series of arts-based workshops from January to June 2010. Art work created was mounted inside Manchester Cathedral in June as part of REFUGEE WEEK 2010. It was also decided to take this opportunity and tour RUTH throughout the UK including a stint at THE EDINBURGH FRINGE FESTIVAL in August 2010. Below are photographs of RUTH the production together with photographs of RUTH the exhibition. ENJOY!!