Red Ladder Theatre Company is on the brink of transformative change with the appointment of Cheryl Martin as its artistic director, from January 2024, succeeding Rod Dixon’s 17-year tenure. As the curtain rises on this transition, Martin steps into the role with a wealth of experience and a commitment to amplifying unheard voices through compelling productions with social justice at their core.
A storied career for Cheryl Martin
Martin’s journey in the world of theatre is marked by a passion for storytelling that extends far beyond the stage. Her accolades include not only writing and directing award-winning productions but also supporting writers and practitioners at esteemed institutions such as Contact Theatre, Traverse Theatre Edinburgh and Oldham Coliseum.
However, Martin’s impact goes beyond traditional theatre spaces. She has collaborated with Community Arts Northwest on community plays, devised in partnership with and starring predominantly women refugees and asylum seekers. Her role as co-founder of Black Gold Arts, an LGBTQ+ Global-Majority performance arts company, reflects a commitment to diverse and inclusive storytelling. Notably, Black Gold Arts recently received the Best Event award at the Manchester Culture Awards for its outstanding free outdoor arts festival at The Whitworth in 2022.
From Fringe to Pride
Martin’s involvement in the arts community extends far and wide. Her role as an Edinburgh Fringe Total Theatre assessor and judge illustrates her commitment to fostering emerging talent. As co-artistic director of Commonword, a Manchester-based Global-Majority-led publisher and writer development company, she has been a driving force behind grassroots initiatives. Additionally, her position as co-director of Manchester Pride’s Candlelight Vigil underscores her dedication to community engagement and celebration of diversity.
An historic moment for Red Ladder
Fiona Gell, co-chair of Red Ladder’s board of trustees, expressed enthusiastic anticipation for Martin’s appointment, hailing it as an “historic moment for the company”. Gell acknowledged Martin’s dynamic artistic leadership, foreseeing an evolution for Red Ladder under her guidance. As the torch passes from Dixon, who left an indelible mark on the company, the focus remains steadfastly on producing productions that champion social justice and amplify voices often unheard.
“We could not be more delighted that Cheryl will be joining as our new artistic director. We are excited to see how the company will evolve under her dynamic artistic leadership, as she is an extraordinary practitioner with a great deal of experience and a wealth of ideas,” says Gell.
A direct engagement with communities
In a recent conversation I had with Martin, she explained that her commitment to engaging with overlooked communities is emphasised through Red Ladder’s local circuit. By bringing shows directly to non-traditional theatre spaces within these communities, Red Ladder ensures that the narratives resonate with the working-class individuals who form the backbone of these audiences. For example, the direct involvement of housing association tenants in selecting shows adds an unparalleled level of engagement, giving the community agency over the stories that are told.
According to Martin, “You don’t get more direct engagement than that.” This emphasis on unfiltered engagement creates a unique connection between the theatre and the community, ensuring that the stories presented speak directly to the experiences and concerns of the people.
Building bridges through storytelling
Beyond just giving a voice, Red Ladder aims to bridge gaps in divided communities. The choice to collaborate with working-class writers becomes a conscious effort to address the diminishing access to formal theatre training. The need for diverse voices in theatre is emphasised, encompassing different ethnicities, genders, abilities, and LGBTQ+ communities.
“I want those voices heard, too”, Martin states. The power of storytelling lies in its ability to reveal common threads of humanity, transcending differences. By allowing under-represented groups to share their narratives, Red Ladder strives to create bridges not because everyone is the same, but because everyone shares fundamental human experiences.
Making theatre accessible
Red Ladder’s innovative approach does not stop at storytelling; it extends to making performances more accessible. The use of non-traditional theatre spaces helps community members feel comfortable engaging with the arts. Red Ladder Local keeps ticket prices low, ensuring affordability for all.
Looking ahead, Martin envisions expanding Red Ladder’s reach by building on the local base. Plans include initiating a series of workshops on acting, writing, directing, lighting and sound, directly attached to shows. This approach aims to entice communities to travel across the local circuit, breaking down barriers to participation.
Moving forward: the next act
The future for Red Ladder involves finding new local venues in previously unexplored neighbourhoods and towns. Martin discussed plans to hold workshops in these new locations and potentially host showcase events for emerging artists. The goal is to spotlight local talent in their own communities, creating a ripple effect as they progress from the local circuit to national tours.
In conclusion, Red Ladder is not just a theatre company; it is a catalyst for change. Through direct engagement, diverse storytelling and an unwavering commitment to accessibility, Red Ladder is not only giving a voice to forgotten communities but is also building bridges that connect diverse groups. The stage is set for a future where everyone’s story is heard and celebrated.
