Newly appointed artistic director of London-based Polka Theatre, Helen Matravers, has established her artistic vision for the venue and announced the shows for 2023.
Matravers has outlined three central aims for the venue:
- To create theatre for every child.
- To be a diverse, inclusive, and empowering theatre.
- To be a home for artists who want to inspire and be inspired.
‘Polka is often a child’s first experience and interaction with theatre,’ says Matravers on her vision. ‘It should be, in that moment, an incredible and unforgettable moment, that can also seek to empower. That experience should show them that theatre is accessible, inclusive, exciting and crucially, for everyone.’
Alongside the artistic vision, Polka Theatre have announced that they will be staging The Snow Queen from 11 November, and The Night Before Christmas from 18 November across the Christmas season.
The Snow Queen will be the first commission of Matravers’ tenure – a show she believes is ‘poignant for this moment in time, with reflections on exploring the unknown… but celebrating the ultimate triumph of friendship and love.’
Matravers was appointed as artistic director and joint chief executive of Polka Theatre in January 2023, after working as the venue’s senior producer.