For the second instalment of our 25th anniversary birthday series, we hear from our UK team – including our C0-Artistic Director, Alex, who founded NIE back in 2001.

Once again, we asked our three quick-fire questions—with each person sharing different moments from their time with NIE.

 

When did you first work with NIE? 

We started the company in 2001 – the very first workshop was in Prague in the Spring of that year – but I had started working with Kjell and Iva before we really had the idea of starting a company together.

What is your favourite NIE show/project and why? 

My favourite project was Tales from the River Thames in 2012.  A big installation in the tunnels under London Bridge Station. We co-created the project with 12 schools from across London and co-produced it with the wonderful Unicorn Theatre, whose home is just over the road from the station.

What’s the most memorable place you’ve been with NIE? 

Our first ever shows were at the MTM Festival in Mostar in Bosnia.  We were there three times and each time it was amazing – it was in the summer, the weather was hot, and the city was full of life and energy.  In 2001 we were there quite soon after the Bulkan War, there were still lots of signs of the destruction and conflict.  We played shows and held a workshop for young people from across the divided communities of the city.

When did you first work with NIE?

I joined as Executive Director in July 2023, so still quite new in the UK team in comparison to Alex & Michael!

What is your favourite NIE show/project and why?

Can I have two?! Grand Soft Day because my youngest told me it was the best show ever! And Snow White because as show it’s simply beautiful….and from a logistics perspective it was a challenge and half performing in two countries few weeks apart!

What’s the most memorable place you’ve been with NIE?

New York will always be memorable, but inside the yurt in a school hall watching children experience live theatre for the first time – that’s something really special!

When did you first work with NIE? 

I first worked with NIE in 2015 when I went to Alconbury Weald in Cambridgeshire to pitch for a show in a nuclear bunker.
The aim was ‘placemaking’ and working with young people in new ways. We were succesful!  And began an exciting project beneath the USAFE Magic Mountain making a show about the last days of the Cold War.

What is your favourite NIE show/project and why? 

My favourite show is Shakespeare in a Suitcase, I can’t pick either Hamlet or Macbeth, because both have been so fun and packed full of emotion. I remember the first try out of Hamlet in 50 mins, seeing the response of the children and thinking ok this is going to work, and it’s still touring after 6 years.

What’s the most memorable place you’ve been with NIE? 

My favourite place is sitting outside or inside of the Yurt with the sides down, touring schools fields in the summer of 2021 after Covid.  Our show ‘What Just Happened?’ was co-created with the stories and experiences of all of us living through the pandemic. The sun was always shining and it felt like everyone really needed this moment of human connection after painful times apart. A time to come together and share music, laughter and stories, that only live performance can bring.

When did you first work with NIE? 

I am quite new to the staff team – I joined in Summer 2023. But I first saw NIE’s work at the Tobacco Factory in Bristol in 2011, and loved the way they told stories. It’s such a treat to now be part of the team making those stories!

What is your favourite NIE show/project and why? 

I am really proud of our co-creation work. It’s amazing to be able to introduce young people to theatre and give them the agency and belief in their own stories.

As for my favourite family show – it’s a hard call between Snow White and the new Snow Mice!

What’s the most memorable place you’ve been with NIE? 

New York without a doubt! The opportunity to produce a show on Broadway at the amazing New Victory Theater was unbelievable.