The Villagers

Proteus is a touring theatre company and arts centre in Basingstoke, telling stories that foster empathy for the ‘other’ and supporting others to do the same. Our artist development, participatory programmes, and accessible performances at Creation Space nurture creative communities and inspire local audiences. We tour ambitious socially aware work across the UK, highlighting issues like PTSD, body dysmorphia, and domestic violence through award-winning and cross-artform projects. For 40 years, Proteus has built a reputation for high-quality shows, including internationally acclaimed productions. We prioritise casting artists from protected characteristic groups, especially in rural family tours.

ArtfulScribe is a literature development organisation and community interest company based in Southampton. Our mission is to pave the way for people of all backgrounds and ages to enrich their lives through written and spoken word, to amplify new voices, and to use words to strengthen communities. We support emerging and continuing writers in Hampshire, Dorset, and the Solent region to create new work and develop skills through writing workshops, live events and career-development opportunities. We provide free or low cost creative writing sessions for children, young people and adults; writing for well being sessions; and other creative programmes and live events that celebrate the written and spoken word.

From grassroots origins to international audiences, we produce high-quality dance projects, develop artistic careers and improve wellbeing for our participants. Our medium is the classical Indian dance of Odissi. Originating from the Bay of Bengal over two thousand years ago, Odissi deals with contemporary and classical themes that remain just as relevant in storytelling today. Its narratives are researched and presented to audiences as both movements and rasas, representing emotions of real life experiences such as love, devotion, anger and playfulness. Our dancers and artists deliver renowned workshops and performances that bring Odissi to thousands of new audience members every year.