After 5 years in the role of Creative Director at the Mercury, Ryan McBryde has made the decision to leave and pursue a freelance career in theatre at the end of May this year.
During his tenure, Ryan has directed 9 successful Mercury Productions, consolidated our relations with national touring companies through our Associate Companies and re-energised our work with new and emerging artists through our professional development programme. In addition, he has led the expansion and growth of our Creative Engagement work both at the Mercury and within the community.
The Mercury celebrates 2023/24 as it most successful year ever in its 87-year history from audience attendance and the expansion of its Creative Engagement and Talent Development Programmes. Our work has reached over 170,000people across Colchester and Essex.
The Mercury’s Board of Directors will commence a recruitment process for Ryan’s successor in the next few weeks.
The third text in a trilogy of Theban plays written by Sophocles, Antigone proceeds from the aftermath of the Thebes’ civil war, a war that would consequentially witness the deaths of brothers Eteocles and Polynices – two powerful forces leading opposite sides of combat. Eteocles honoured, Polynices shamed by the newly crowned king of Thebes, Creon. Exploring the Ancient Greek text further in a newly adapted production by Merlynn Tong, with direction by Dawn Walton OBE, performer Wendy Kweh talks about taking on the role of Creon, a role traditionally played by a male. Ahead of the production at the Mercury Theatre, Wendy tells us more about what to expect.