Nicholas Barton-Wines – by Tommy Ga-Ken Wan
What’s in a title?
I direct. I devise. I write. I dramaturg. I facilitate.
I make theatre.
Click here to view my General CV
Click here to view Examples of Writing
Originally from Essex, I’m now based in Glasgow after training for my BA Acting at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
I’m drawn to tales that are innately theatrical; tales of strange places where the rules aren’t quite the same as here and now. Sometimes these places are real, sometimes they’re not. I like to use these narratives to unlock curiosity in the every day. Primarily I aim to tell exciting stories that capture the imagination, sparking conversation about deeper issues we experience outside the theatre.
My work is tied to a strong narrative, is physical, visual, and almost always devised. I am heavily inspired by graphic novels and illustration, and this is most present in the movement of my work. I like to create collaboratively, and I’m excited by the areas where disciplines overlap to unlock new ways we can share ideas.
Recently I have been working with artists in more equal structures to challenge the traditional hierarchy of how theatre in constructed. By sharing the responsibility for creation between ourselves, my collaborators and I have been searching for innovative ways to create and present new work.
In 2016, I received the Saltire Society Young Leader Award in association with Youth Theatre Arts Scotland, Traverse Theatre, and Beacon Arts Centre. This was awarded to someone who could demonstrate an ability to “enhance the perception of creative work by young people” and “raise the aspirations of Scotland’s Youth Arts sector”.
The resulting production, How To Save The World…ish, was chosen to play at the Chrysalis Festival, “a landmark showcase of Britain’s most promising new artists” (The List). Described by The Herald as “a life-affirming allegory about fighting for what you believe and about resistance in the face of mass selfishness”, the show “demonstrates the power of a good story colourfully told.”
My productions have been produced and supported by a variety of organisations across Scotland and England. These include: National Theatre of Scotland, Tron Theatre, Mercury Theatre, Beacon Arts Centre, and Aberdeen Performing Arts. You can read more about these projects here.
I frequently work on developments of new work acting as a soundboard to artists, facilitator of developments, and as a dramaturg. Please get in touch if you would like more information on this.
You can read my interview with Creative Scotland here.
Keep up to date with my latest developments @nicholasbw.
If you would like to get in touch about my work and upcoming projects, I’m very open to conversations and coffees.
Header Photo Credits:
Main – Mihaela Bodlovic
About – Amy Kennedy
Workshops – Andy Catlin/YTAS
