Nicholas Barton-Wines – by Michael Kelly
What’s in a title?
I direct. I devise. I facilitate. I write. I dramaturg.
I make theatre.
Originally from Essex, I’m now based in Glasgow after training for my BA Acting at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. I am currently studying for my MA in Art and Social Practice at the University of Highlands and Islands alongside my work.
I make theatre that is movement-based and uses allegory as a lens to explore the themes of community, grief, and responsible use of power. I am interested in collaborative models of working that flatten hierarchies and blend artforms. I believe strongly the audience is an integral part of the conversation in theatre, and I place huge value in ensemble-working.
When working with other artists, my skills as a facilitator, storyteller, and dramaturg are a central part of the process in both be devised or script-led work. As well as my own projects, I am regularly working with artists to guide their vision into existence, such as Satellites and Forelska. I am excited by creating moments of surprise; whether that be in rehearsals, workshops, or productions. I am inspired by sculpture, and illustrated and graphic novels.
Current Practice
I am currently exploring how building collaborative models of working can release potential in artists; both in individual practice and the work we create together. This is takes place through Bandwidth, a collective which places design as a co-leader in the devising process to create NoMa, and through Movers Group, a monthly artist development programme which welcomes a variety of movement-based artists to share, explore and maintain their practice sustainably. I am also beginning to explore how my work sits in an international context.
You can find out how this feeds into my work by reading about my current projects .
Background
I began my career working as part of the Mercury Theatre Company, a rep company in Colchester staging modern classics. It is this grounding that built the foundations of my values in outward looking, inclusive, community-engaged theatre while continually striving for excellence. I shadowed, assisted, and worked in many departments within the theatre: I believe it is very important to know the whole machine in order to understand how your cog best fits in. As well a numerous assistant director roles on main-stage productions at the Mercury, I undertook roles in stage management, community and education, ultimately directing and producing new work. During my studies at RCS I took this one step further with a placement at National Theatre Scotland shadowing Laurie Sansom, artistic director, and the senior management team for four months. My skill set is broad, and my understanding is interconnected.
Further Reading
You can read my interview with Creative Scotland here.
You can read my interview with YTAS here.
Keep up to date with my latest developments @nicholasbw.
If you would like to chat about a project I have worked on, or a project to be, I’m always open to conversations and coffees.
Header Photo Credits:
Main – Mihaela Bodlovic
About – Amy Kennedy
Workshops – Andy Catlin/YTAS
