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WEDUCATION: Creating a show from scratch

This week, we're revisiting our Under the Umbrella podcasts ahead of the show's online premiere.

Ever wondered how an idea for a show is developed into a fully-formed theatre production?

To offer an insight into the process, last year, we created a series of podcasts about the making of our show Under the Umbrella. The series took listeners on a journey through the show’s creation: from researching and writing the story, through rehearsals and designing the set, all the way up to finding ways of reaching out to new audiences.

From 22-29 May, a recording of Under the Umbrella will be streamed via our YouTube channel, premiering at 7pm on Friday. Ahead of the online premiere, you can listen back to our podcasts, originally recorded in 2019.

Over the course of the series, you’ll meet Creative Producer Lian Wilkinson, director Justine Themen, designer Moi Tran and playwright Amy Ng, as well as Assistant Trainee Director Tian Brown-Sampson, and some of the team involved in building the set at our Belgrade Production Services workshop.

We also introduce Lian’s fellow IGNITE producers, based at theatres across the country, and Tingli Liu, a Warwick University academic who explains more about the concept of shengnu or “leftover women” – a key inspiration for Under the Umbrella.

Listen below to find out more.

Under the Umbrella makes its online premiere at 7pm on Friday 22 May, and will be available to watch on YouTube until Fri 29 May. Head to YouTube now to set a reminder.

The show is free to watch, but if you enjoy the production, please consider making a donation to help support the Belgrade Theatre through this difficult period.