Once In A Lifetime at RET Studio, 15 July

Exchange Education have been running a project at the Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester which culminates with a performance in their Studio later this month.  Once In A Lifetime brings together over 50 participants of all ages from across the city. The scale of the project highlights the sheer breadth of community involvement developed by the Exchange over recent years.

This latest project is the third in a series inspired by a trilogy of great songs and will feature new work from members of the World Wide Workshop (formerly the RET’s Refugee Theatre Group), socially excluded individuals and adults with learning difficulties from Community Partnership groups Landridge House and TiPP; and Fusebox a newly-created ensemble of non-professional adults and young people.

Each group has worked with specialist practitioners to develop their response to the Talking Heads song “Once In A Lifetime.” They have taken inspiration from the lyrics to pinpoint significant moments in their lives.

Education Producer Chris Wright says: “Since joining the Education department as Producer in September 2009, we have had an incredible 10 months of activity. “Once in A Lifetime will be a fantastic conclusion for our work over the last two seasons as it brings together many of the groups and organisations that we have relationships with, for two evenings of original, moving and challenging performance.

“I have had many rewarding experiences as Education Producer and this will be no exception as we showcase a series of unique perspectives and stories. Following this, and a quick summer break, we will be launching the 99% project in September, which will become a major part of our output for the next two years.” 

Once In A Lifetime is at the Royal Exchange Studio from 15 – 16 July and more details can be found here.