Theatre lovers are being encouraged to follow the yellow brick road as an interactive promenade performance of The Wizard of Oz arrives in Renfrewshire.
The National Theatre of Scotland, in partnership with OneRen, is taking up a year-long artistic residency in Paisley.
Support for ‘Oz! A Yellow Brick Road Adventure in Paisley’ is also being provided by Future Paisley.
It will culminate in a carnivalesque performance that will weave through the town’s streets and indoor spaces in June 2023.
More than 200 local participants will be involved in the co-creation of the unique event, in collaboration with leading Scottish artists Cora Bissett and Bex Anson.
Set in a parallel Paisley, sometime in the near future, the wonderful world of Oz and the Emerald City will come to town, with familiar locations handed leading roles in the final event.
Over the next year, Cora and Bex will lead a team of artists to deliver a significant community engagement programme, working alongside local groups such as PACE Theatre Company and Paisley-based residential care charity Kibble.
From August, there will be opportunities for local residents and community groups to get involved, including a public programme of Oz-themed workshops and creative sessions.
Councillor Lisa-Marie Hughes, chair of OneRen and the Future Paisley partnership board, said: “This is a fantastic addition to Paisley’s annual events programme – and one that helps strengthen the area’s growing reputation as one of Scotland’s must-visit destinations for top-class cultural events.
“What excites me most is that community engagement and participation is at the very heart of it. Oz! will provide opportunities for local freelance artists and organisations but also employment for local people.”
Anyone who would like more information or to get involved should visit nationaltheatrescotland.com/oz or send an email to oz@nationaltheatrescotland.com.
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