De Montfort University (DMU) and Curve theatre are joining forces with a new cultural partnership launched today ahead of a world premiere dance production with a DMU alumnus tonight (15 September).
Vice-Chancellor of DMU, Professor Dominic Shellard, and Curve Chief Executive Fiona Allan signed a Letter of Cooperation at Curve theatre this morning as final preparations were taking place on stage for DESH – the new contemporary dance solo by world-renowned choreographer Akram Khan.
Akram Khan is a former DMU dance student and received an honorary degree from the university in 2004. DESH is a Curve co-production and runs until Saturday 17 September before it embarks on an international tour.
The partnership between DMU and Curve will see them planning a series of cultural collaborations and building on existing connections with Curve.
Two DMU students have made exciting first moves towards dance careers with once-in-a-lifetime internships with Akram Khan. Amy Hollis, 20, from Birmingham, who studies performing arts, and Gemma Ottey, 19, a dance student from Leicestershire, have been assisting with rehearsals of DESH.
Under the new partnership, the university and theatre will establish further internships and placement opportunities for DMU students.
They will also develop a series of guest lectures and pre/post-show talks, as well as staging student productions, performances, events, exhibitions and installations.
The partners will explore academic links and Curve will support DMU’s Square Mile project with talks, discounted tickets etc for residents.
DMU will promote Curve events and shows to DMU staff and students, offering discounted ticket and membership schemes as well as selling tickets on campus.
Professor Shellard said: “Theatre is one of my great passions and, since I arrived in Leicester last year, I have seen Curve evolve into one of the UKs leading regional theatres at the very heart of Leicester’s Cultural Quarter.
“The benefits of this partnership to both the university and Curve are significant. We will be able to offer our students the opportunity to work and learn in a fantastic theatre setting and develop strong and varied academic links to complement Curve’s work.
“I am also keen to investigate possible links between Curve and the British Library/DMU Theatre Archive Project, which I lead. Over the next few years we are hoping to conduct a series of oral history interviews in Leicester which will explore the historical importance of theatre to the city.
“I am proud to have formed this partnership with a theatre that shares our desire to promote culture and learning as an essential part of our society.”
Fiona Allan said: “We are proud of our relationship with DMU and excited at the prospect of developing it further in the months and years ahead. Both organisations are committed to the development of creative talent and to promoting the value of culture within our communities – by joining forces we can work together to help develop Leicester’s reputation as a city of creativity and innovation.
“Through working in partnership with DMU we are looking forward to exploring ways to better integrate the student, academic and cultural life of this city – through student internships, exhibitions and productions, special events related to our own productions, and lectures and discussions at Curve drawing on DMU expertise – this partnership really is one of mutual benefit.”
Posted on Thursday 15th September 2011