Arcola Theatre
Arcola has always championed and empowered the next generation in theatre. From playwrights and performers showcasing their work to our participation and community groups, expanding opportunities is at the forefront of our work, to enable everyone to express themselves through theatre making. Mehmet Ergen and Leyla Nazli, established Arcola Theatre in 2000, to stage socially engaged, diverse and challenging plays. The participation work grew out of their interest in opening the space to the community and has continued to thrive and serve the people of Hackney and East London for the last 20 years. From the youth theatres to the Arcola 50+ group, Queer Collective, Turkish speaking group, Women’s Company and our Mental Health group, we hold safe creative spaces for underrepresented communities to create art together.