Joanna Smith
14 November, 2024
News

Bristol's Ad Infinitum Theatre Company champions roles for underrepresented artists

Ad Infinitum, Bristol’s acclaimed and award-winning theatre company, has unveiled plans for a national tour of Last Rites, co-created by theatremaker Ramesh Meyyappan, along with the announcement of two roles designed to elevate underrepresented voices in the arts. 

Last Rites Artwork

This move, part of an ongoing commitment to diversity and accessibility in theatre, reflects Ad Infinitum's dedication to both local and international community engagement.

Set to tour the UK from January 2025, Last Rites promises to bring the company's unique brand of physical, non-verbal storytelling to audiences nationwide. Described by The Guardian as “a sumptuous collaboration” where “the personal and the political collide". 

Last Rites presents a profoundly moving exploration of grief and reconciliation from the perspective of a Deaf man. The show will be making a special stop at Bristol Old Vic for a week-long run in July 2025, giving local audiences a chance to experience this poignant story crafted by Bristol-based and international talents alike.

As part of its mission to diversify voices in the arts, Ad Infinitum has created two Associate roles to support underrepresented artists. Midlands-based theatremaker Mary-Jayne Russell de Clifford is a theatre facilitator, director, writer and BSL storyteller who has worked with Deafinitely Theatre, Vamos Theatre and Taking Flight Theatre, as well as previously running her own accessible theatre company, DeDrama.

Between October 2024 and March 2025, Russell de Clifford will be undertaking residencies and mentorship sessions, shadowing other companies and artists, and developing an in-progress work with a company of artists and creatives. 

Alongside Russell de Clifford, theatremaker Elisabeth Gunawan has been appointed as Ad Infinitum’s Associate Artist. Gunawan, a performer and writer celebrated for her unique solo work and founding of the artist collective Saski Bisou, will engage with the company in developing new projects. 

Elisabeth Gunawan
Elisabeth Gunawan Credit: Ad Infinitum

Ad Infinitum’s investment in the future of inclusive theatre also extends to a robust Artist Development Programme, featuring masterclasses, skills-based courses, and mental health training, as well as British Sign Language (BSL) courses. This initiative is open to artists throughout the year and serves as a vital resource for both emerging and established creatives.

The company’s community reach extends beyond professional artists to local schools. Through partnerships with Bristol City Council, The Nisbet Trust, and Quartet Community Foundation, Ad Infinitum offers free workshops and resources to Bristol’s primary and secondary schools. In a time when arts education is facing severe cuts, these programmes aim to inspire young people and equip teachers with creative tools for the classroom.

For more information, follow Ad Infinitum on social media @TheatreAdInf or visit www.ad-infinitum.org

Mary-Jayne Russell de Clifford
Mary-Jayne Russell de Clifford Credit: Ad Infinitum