SUNDERLAND shoppers will be able to take time out and enjoy a unique public performance in the Bridges this month (September).
First Person is a free, half hour ‘drop in’ show which has been created especially for public spaces.
The story depicts the tale of two players who enter a virtual world and compete for the ultimate prize, happiness, and all they need to do is follow the voice of the unseen guide to the finish. But of course, it isn’t that simple.
Audiences are encouraged to wear headphones which will allow them to become a spectator in the first person competition, hearing extra things that those without can’t, and getting the chance to influence what is happening in the storyline.
First Person will be performed on 23 September at Central Square in the Bridges, with shows at 11.30am, 1.30pm and 3.30pm.
The event has been arranged by Sunderland Stages, an organisation which brings unique and exciting theatre and performances to the city centre.
“We are extremely excited to bring First Person by Zest Theatre to The Bridges this season,” said Rachel Horton of Sunderland Stages.
“The Bridges is the heart of Sunderland city centre, so having a show here this season was really important to us.
“This type of show is completely what Sunderland Stages is all about, bringing original, exciting and different theatre, to an unexpected place. It’s not every day you go Saturday shopping and come across a theatre show. Shoppers are in for a real treat and we hope that they grab a pair of headphones and listen in.”
The Zest Theatre show is one of a number of cultural initiatives being arranged in the Bridges this autumn to support the city’s Culture Bid 2021, and will be followed by a photography exhibition in October.
Samantha Czwordon-Wright, marketing manager at the Bridges, is looking forward to seeing how the audience reacts to the show, and hopes it will be the start of an exciting season of cultural activities for the centre.
“We are always looking at ways to engage visitors, and we have always liked to do exciting new things. First Person is a half hour show which people can engage with as much or as little as they like.
“They can sit and watch the whole thing and get involved via the headphones, or they can just drop in and out and see what is happening. It’s a unique performance and it will certainly get people interested.
“Here at the Bridges we are delighted to be partners in the city’s Culture 2012 bid, and this show forms part of what we’re doing to show that Sunderland can be a cultural hub to be proud of.”
For further information about the Bridges, visit the website: www.thebridges-shopping.com. Further information on Sunderland Stages is available at www.SunderlandStages.co.uk.