Founded in September 2000 by the visionary Mehmet Ergen, this theatre has transformed from its humble beginnings in a former textile factory on Arcola Street to its current home in the old Colourworks paint factory on Ashwin Street. With two studio theatre spaces, two rehearsal studios, and a café-bar, it's a hub for the arts.
The Arcola Theatre doesn't just host plays; it curates an eclectic mix of performances from established and emerging artists, spanning theatre, opera, and musicals. Its commitment to new and original works is evident in its history of premieres, including Rebecca Lenkiewicz's "The Painter" which celebrated the theatre's move to Ashwin Street in 2011. The theatre has a knack for discovering talent, having launched the careers of notable figures like Arinzé Kene, Wunmi Mosaku, and Zawe Ashton.
What sets the Arcola apart is its green ethos. Since 2007, the Green Arcola project has aimed to make it the world’s first carbon-neutral theatre. The building even houses Arcola Energy, a research project developing hydrogen fuel cells, making it a true pioneer in sustainable theatre production. The venue’s first hydrogen-powered show, "The Living Unknown Soldier," exemplified this innovative spirit with its energy-efficient lighting.
The Arcola's socially engaged programming champions diversity and challenges the status quo. Its annual Grimeborn Festival, a radical reinvention of opera, opens the genre to a wider audience with contemporary stagings and affordable tickets. Meanwhile, initiatives like the Playwrought scheme and Arcola Academy foster new writing and empower young people in the arts.
With its Pay What You Can scheme, the Arcola ensures that no one is priced out of experiencing the magic of theatre. It’s no wonder this cultural hub attracts over 65,000 visitors a year, making a lasting impact on the vibrant Hackney community and beyond
Details
- Address:
- 24 Ashwin Street
- E8 3DL
- Contact:
- 020 7503 1645
- Transport:
- Overground: Dalston Kingsland / Dalston Junction