Friday 28 February 2025
10am - 6pm then social event
Who Do We Think We Are
Theatro Technis and Kyriacos And Company.
WHO DO WE THINK WE ARE? is a full-day in-person seminar and conference that explores the health of British Cypriot representation within the wider cultural mainstream of the Live and Recorded Arts.
Questions that we will explore:
• Who are the Cypriot artists and practitioners making waves in the UK?
• How have Cypriot artists and practitioners navigated the British creative landscape?
• Are they seen as British or foreign?
• To get their work on, do they self-label Greek, Cypriot, or neither or both?
• What stories do they want to tell?
• What stories are they expected to tell?
• How different is the experience for those who emigrated here - to those who were born here?
The day will be divided into three parts, growing knowledge and debate.
Part one: Working in the live arts: work presented in venues and non-traditional spaces.
Part two: Working in the recorded arts: TV, FILM, Radio, print or display.
Part three: Academia, social politics, policy and cultural leadership.
Each section will have a keynote speaker, a panel discussion and then questions from the audience.
Leading British Cypriot practitioners working in the fields will participate. The panels will strive to include all generations of migration from Cyprus and represent all communities and languages connected to the island.
The day will end with drinks and networking and the event will also be recorded and edited for posting online.
This event is for anyone interested in cultural identities. A light lunch will be provided.
Kerry Kyriacos Michael MBE, a UK-born Cypriot director, writer and producer, is producing and programming the day. He is a UK Theatre and Olivier Award winner and former Theatre Royal Stratford East artistic director. The event is partnered with Theatro Technis, the only professional arts space made for and by Cypriots in the UK, and the Cyprus High Commission.
To enquire about being a speaker, please email whoarewe@theatrotechnis.com
ABOUT
About Theatro Technis
Founded in 1957 by George Eugeniou, Theatro Technis has been an independent company and venue for over six decades. Now, with Kerry Kyriacos Michael MBE joining as its Creative Director, a new era is beginning. Kerry, known for his passion for culturally diverse and disruptive work and leadership of Theatre Royal Stratford East, aims to bring fresh perspectives to the organisation.
Nestled between King's Cross and Camden, Theatro Technis has a rich history of celebrating both local and international artists. With resident companies over the years, such as Tamasha Theatre Company, Gate Theatre, Scene and Heard, The Production Exchange, and London Sinfonietta, the venue continues to expand its programme. Hosting popular events like the Camden Fringe Festival and Shubbak Festival and showcasing emerging talent from around the world, Theatro Technis remains a vibrant hub for innovative Theatre and performance. At its heart, the venue is dedicated to serving its diverse and dynamic community.
@TTechnis
Kerry Kyriacos Michael MBE
Kerry is a second-generation Cypriot. He heads up Kyriacos And Company, a UK-based production company that makes TV, FILM, and Theatre. He was a founder member and chair of MENA Arts UK, a board member of the British Council's Arts Advisory Group, and on the executive board of the performing arts and entertainment trade union, EQUITY. In June 2022, he also became the creative director of Theatro Technis @ 26 Crowndale, the home of Theatro Technis.
He is also developing various pieces of Theatre in the UK and US as a director, maker and producer.
He was Artistic Director & Chief Executive of Theatre Royal Stratford East from Sept 2004 to Sept 2017. For 13 years, he forged the Theatre's commitment to develop new work & provide a platform for voices under-represented. He won two Olivier awards, seven nominations, two What's on Stage Awards, and the UK Best Touring Theatre Award. He forged the Theatre's commitment to develop new work & provide a platform for voices under-represented. His inaugural season was nominated for an Olivier Award for 'a powerful season of provocative work that reaches new audiences.' Its hip-hop production Pied Piper won an Olivier that year, and Kerry's production of Cinderella was nominated for an Olivier, the first pantomime nominated in the Awards' history. Other nominations since then include You Me Bum Bum Train, Roadkill, Oh What A Lovely War & The Government Inspector.
In March 2018, Kerry won Artistic Director of The Year at the OFF WEST END Awards and was awarded the Freedom of the City of London. In the 2018 Queen's Birthday Honours List, he was made an MBE for services to the Arts.
@1kerrymichael
USEFUL INFORMATION
Estimated running time
full day
Performance times
10am - 6pm then social event
Ticket prices
Full day £25, Concessions £10 (please bring proof)
for unwaged, students, Equity, Bectu, MU & Writers Guild members
A light lunch is provided, with a pay bar available.
Concession
Full-time students, those aged under 16, senior citizens, the unwaged, members of Equity and BECTU
Access
Theatro Technis is fully wheelchair accessible. Guide dogs and hearing dogs are welcome in the auditorium. There is a Loop system fitted in the main auditorium. If you have any questions or specific requests, please email boxoffice@theatrotechnis.com.
#WhoAreWeCypriots