The Young Vic celebrates 50 years of theatre

In place since 11 September, free art installation The Unforgotten adornes the Young Vic building and invites discussion of the Black Lives Matter movement, while celebrating three trailblazers of the Black community: Mary Seacole, Marsha P. Johnson and Ulric Cross. The installation has been created by artists Sadeysa Greenaway-Bailey and Anna Fleischle, but members of the public are encouraged to contribute by submitting nominations on the side of the building or online. 

Between 11 September and 4 October, the 50th Projection Project will see the building lit up each evening, displaying video projections which celebrate the people and productions spanning the theatre’s 50 year history. The videos were designed by Duncan McLean, who hopes to capture the spirit of the Young Vic and the creatives who have stepped through its doors. 

On 3 and 4 October at 4pm, The New Tomorrow will be streamed online as the first piece of live theatre at the Young Vic since its closure in March. The weekend festival will feature short commissioned performances and activist speeches exploring what the next 50 years may hold for the Young Vic. Writers and artists at the event include Jade Anouka, Marina Carr, Jasmine Lee-Jones, Ruth Madeley, Amy Ng, Stef Smith, Jack Thorne, Isobel Waller-Bridge and Steve Waters. Details about registering for free tickets will be released on the theatre’s social media channels, with a number of free in-person tickets also available. 

The Young Vic’s Artistic Director Kwame Kwei-Armah said, ‘The beginning of our 50th year marks a moment of change for everyone, but it is a year I go into with absolute optimism, for We are the New Tide.' 

youngvic.org