Creative Team

MENTORS and DRAMATURGS

JULIA WILSON

Julia is an experienced freelance facilitator and director who designs, delivers, and evaluates theatre-based participatory projects across diverse settings. She is currently leading an Arts Council England-funded project in partnership with Manchester Libraries. Julia regularly works with Odd Arts, leading projects in schools, colleges, and community settings. She has also run workshops for Contact and Community Arts North West. She is an Associate Artist for the Royal Exchange and Curious Minds. Previously, Julia performed nationally and internationally and taught performance at the University of Salford for 13 years.

SAM REDWAY

Sam is an international award-winning, multi-disciplinary dramaturg, director, and writer with a deep passion for co-creation, climate focused arts practice, and creative democracy. He was trained as a creative mentor by Greater Manchester Artist Hub and is developing his coaching skills for communities and artists.

He is the co-founder of Knaïve Theatre and Associate Artist (Dramaturgy) of Smoking Apples Theatre Company (Kinder, Ettie and Offie TYA Awards) and The Spark Arts for Children’s Associate Artist for Building Brave Spaces investigating the performing arts’ roles in improving child voice and agency in schools.

PRODUCER

Manli Siu

Manli specialises in managing creative projects that are socially-engaged and values-driven.

Through her role as Programme Producer at RTYDS, she manages an extensive programme of work that includes training and development for under-represented theatre-makers at all stages of their careers. Her work currently focuses on addressing the barriers experienced by working class creatives in sustaining creative careers and pursuing leadership roles, and where class intersects with other protected characteristics.

Manli is also a passionate advocate for British East and Southeast Asian (BESEA) artists in the north west through her work with Horizons Collective, a community of ESEA creatives making work in Greater Manchester and Salford.