Photograph by David Monteith-Hodge – Photographise
Today, we announce the Annie Castledine Award in memory of the inspirational director.
Annie was an exceptional director as well as a fierce supporter of early career artists. For over 20 years she supported our work in seeking out and nurturing directors at the early stage of their careers and developing their skills and experience. She was a vital part of RTYDS as a mentor, advocate, and patron.
To celebrate her legacy we are dedicating an 18-Month Residency in her name and we are pleased to announce that the first recipient of the award is Lilac Yosiphon.
Lilac is a freelance director and Artistic Director of Althea Theatre who is currently completing her RTYDS 18-Month Residency at Curve in Leicester. Lilac specialises in inclusive directorial practices and interdisciplinary collaborations. She has been involved in the Young Vic Creators Program and has worked extensively with Graeae as well as the National Youth Theatre.
Annie Castledine (1939 – 2016) was a powerful, bold and dynamic figure in British theatre for over 50 years. She believed passionately in challenging and dismantling barriers that may arise from an inequality of opportunity. She knew from personal experience that her gender and class were a barrier and she fiercely championed opportunities for the next generation of directors, working with RTYDS to seek out and nurture early career theatre directors.
We are delighted to have joined forces with her family to recognise her contribution and support a director in her name and with her spirit.
Our Artistic Director, Sue Emmas, comments:
‘We are overjoyed to be able to announce the Annie Castledine Directors’ Award. Annie was a force of nature whose thoughts on the potential of theatre knew no bounds. To support trailblazing talent was at the core of what Annie stood for. The RTYDS 18-Month Residencies continue to give early career directors an extraordinary opportunity in a leading regional theatre to assist, learn about what it takes to be a leader and, importantly, direct their own show. Annie understood the need for directors to have time to find out who they are as both individuals and artists. The Annie Castledine Director’s Award will embody what we know were Annie’s defining characteristics – it will be ‘warm, rigorous and creative’.’
On Monday 18th July, we will hold a celebratory event at the Young Vic for invited family, friends, guests and RYTDS stakeholders to mark this first award.