Q1. Why Hackney Empire?
Findings from our research reveal Hackney to be one of the most
culturally diverse boroughs in London, with some 100 foreign languages spoken and with 44% of its population being either multi-lingual or
non-English speaking. Hackney also has the fifth highest rate of
deprivation amongst local authorities in the UK.

Hackney Empire provides world class popular drama for both local and regional audiences alike. Working in association with Angle 2008 allows it to expands its international programme, launching a season of plays by emerging writers reflecting the global identity and diversity of East London communities.

The Hackney Empire is a leading London theatre based in the heart of
the cultural borough of London's 2012 Olympic Games. The theatre is dedicated to the widest range of popular entertainment which is
affordable and accessible to diverse communities within some of the most deprived areas in the country.

Through its business and redevelopment of the theatre complex, it has brought prosperity and a sense of pride to the region and continues to bolster social and economic regeneration in Hackney. Current
charitable aims are to advance public education and appreciation of
the arts and to provide the theatre facility for recreation and
leisure time occupation in the interest of social welfare with the ultimate aim of improving the condition of peoples lives.

Q2. How long will the project take?
Our inaugural project will take place over a year.

Q3. Are you looking for writers from particular international communities?
Angle has developed close links with three key community groups in Hackney, identified through Hackney Translation Unit: West African, Bengali and Turkish. However, we are inviting writers from all backgrounds in East London to submit work for consideration. Five writers will be selected to develop their work for a public performance at The Hackney Empire Theatre.

Q4. How will you make contact with these writers?
Angle has a commitment to reaching writers from 'hard to reach'
sections of the community. As far as we possibly can, we will
pro-actively seek out writers by liaising with community organisations within the borough to target participants and we will launch a
multi-lingual publicity campaign to be distributed throughout the Borough.

Q5 What if I do not reside in East London?
Unfortunately, in its first year, Angle can only consider scripts from writers in East London. We hope to be able to reach other areas in future years.

Q6. If my script is selected for development, what will happen?
Angle's select panel will identify five participants to develop
their work alongside a professional theatre director, a full cast and
playwright mentors. There will be an opportunity to work with a
translator. One participant will receive a three and a half week
rehearsal and full production, and four participants a one-week
rehearsal leading to a working-in-progress showing to a diverse audience.

Participants will have the opportunity to write their stories and
develop work through: sessions with playwrights will be (supported by interpreters where needed); sessions will be made available with local translators and established playwrights to develop plays written by non-English speaking writers, guided tour of Hackney Empire to
develop a practical and spatial understanding of writing for the stage.

Participants will also have the opportunity to broaden their knowledge of new writing through a subsidised ticket scheme.

Q7. If I'm not successful in being selected, will I receive any feedback?
If you enclose an SAE Angle will provide feedback from a panel of high profile practitioners, both English and foreign speaking, on foreign language submissions and on all work submitted.

Q8. What community organisation are you working with?
Arts Council research led us to forge important partnerships with community organisations in East London who we are working with closely that includes: Day-mer, African Support and Project Forum, Bengali Welfare association, Centreprise, Bangla Housing, Hackney Refugee
Forum.

Q9. What qualifies as East London?
If you are unsure as to whether you live in East London or not please contact us by email on info@angletheatre.co.uk and include your street name and full postcode.