a performer sits on a raft full of orange life jackets, on top of a sheet being manipulated to appear like water.

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The Welcoming Party

A Theatre-Rites, Manchester International Festival, Z-arts and Ruhrtriennale Festival co-production in 2017 & 2018.

How do we welcome new arrivals? What stories have they to tell? 

The Welcoming Party took us on a thrilling journey through a historic hidden warehouse at Manchester’s Museum of Science & Industry, walking alongside people who had travelled from towns and cities far beyond Manchester, all looking for a place where they could feel safe and sound.  

The show was recreated for the Ruhrtriennale Festival the following year and invited audiences to journey through the derelict and magnificent Zechenwerkstatt Zeche Lohberg in Dinslaken. 

A beautiful blend of puppetry, performance, dance and live music for both children and family audiences, The Welcoming Party made us think about what it means to feel different – and why we should all be proud of who we are. 

The Welcoming Party was performed in Manchester, UK (2017) and Dinslaken, Germany (2018). It received a special commendation at the first ever Manchester Cultural Awards.  

Cast

Creative Team

Sue Buckmaster

Director

“ Done with the rackety swagger and invention that we’ve come to expect from Theatre-Rites, a company making shows for children that is right at the forefront of contemporary British theatre practice ”
Star rating: 4 stars
The Guardian
a performer dressed in red sits at a table holding a puppet child close to her while she talks to another performer who takes notes. A third performer observes in the background.
“ This is, no two ways about it, an astonishing piece of theatre: a kids' show that handles immigration, both as lived experience and as bureaucratic system, with such nuance and sophistication that it teaches adults a thing or two as well ”
Star rating: 5 stars
Whats On Stage

Manchester International Festival 2017

A stage with two puppeteers manipulating a female puppet in traditional sudanese clothing. The puppet is coming out of a suitcase. A performer on the right holds the puppet's hand and looks away from her.

©Jonathan Keenan

©Jonathan Keenan

a performer sits on a wicker basket talking to 2 other performers who stand nearby.

©Jonathan Keenan

a performer dressed in red sits at a table holding a puppet child close to her while she talks to another performer who takes notes. A third performer observes in the background.

©Jonathan Keenan

2 performers hold hands are observed by audience members on a raised platform behind them.

©Jonathan Keenan

Previous Slide
Next Slide
A stage with two puppeteers manipulating a female puppet in traditional sudanese clothing. The puppet is coming out of a suitcase. A performer on the right holds the puppet's hand and looks away from her.
a performer sits on a wicker basket talking to 2 other performers who stand nearby.
a performer dressed in red sits at a table holding a puppet child close to her while she talks to another performer who takes notes. A third performer observes in the background.
2 performers hold hands are observed by audience members on a raised platform behind them.
Previous Slide
Next Slide

Ruhrtriennale Festival, Germany 2018

a performer sits on a raft full of orange life jackets, on top of a sheet being manipulated to appear like water.

©Volker Beushausen

a performer stands in a cage with his arms raised. He is lit from behind and his body casts a long shadow in the foreground.

©Volker Beushausen

a performer sits on the ground clutching his travel bag. Behind him another performer holds a torch shining a light on a miniature cityscape and a third performer looks on.

©Volker Beushausen

a group of performers are moving large metal cages in a darkened space with a spotlight from above. Some performers are inside the cages.

©Volker Beushausen

©Volker Beushausen

a performer in the foreground looks into the distance and behind 2 other performers manipulate a female puppet.

©Volker Beushausen

©Volker Beushausen

©Volker Beushausen

Previous Slide
Next Slide
a performer sits on a raft full of orange life jackets, on top of a sheet being manipulated to appear like water.
a performer stands in a cage with his arms raised. He is lit from behind and his body casts a long shadow in the foreground.
a performer sits on the ground clutching his travel bag. Behind him another performer holds a torch shining a light on a miniature cityscape and a third performer looks on.
a group of performers are moving large metal cages in a darkened space with a spotlight from above. Some performers are inside the cages.
a performer in the foreground looks into the distance and behind 2 other performers manipulate a female puppet.
Previous Slide
Next Slide

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