Arcola’s brand new Supporters scheme was launched on June 19 with a reception at the theatre. Mehmet Ergen and Graham Benson, chair of our new Development Board were joined by Arcola Champions, friends and long-term supporters and some brand new founding patrons.
Our Trustee Jack Shepherd led on memories about Arcola beginnings, the madness of the scheme and the importance of our continued commitment to theatre.
The evening ended with a Q&A with the cast and director of Between Us, epitomising our work: a play commissioned from Sarah Daniels, one of Britain’s leading contemporary and feminist playwrights, tackling adoption, child neglect, class and gender conflicts; directed by RNT veteran director John Burgess who, among other things he has done with and for Arcola, served as a mentor to Ala-Turka director, translator and project co-ordinator Secil Honeywell.
Mehmet Ergen opens proceedings
Trustee Jack Shepherd talks about the beginnings of Arcola
Mehmet Ergen, playwright and Arcola champion Rebecca Lenkiewicz, Trustee Lynne McKenzie and Leyla Nazli
Trustee Gabriel Gbadamosi chats with Arcola champion Greg Hicks
Founding Supporters, veteran British director Jack Gold and actress Denyse Gold
Mark Jagasia, participant in our first PlayWROUGHT festival of new writing and partner
Jack Shepherd chats with Founding Patron Mike Newell
Actress Joanna Wake (right) with two guests
Development Board member Andrew Cripps chats with Business Angel Andrew Neubauer
Brian Innis, trustee of the West Hackney Parochial Charity, one of Arcola’s most regular visitors and Pillar 2 supporter Nicholas Murphy and business/marketing consultant/mentor Stuart Honey
Arcola regular and painter Katrin Maeurich and friend scrutinise the new supporter scheme
Former ICA director Bill McAllister with festival producer Di Robson