- Posted on October 14th, 2020
Seeds by No Stone Theatre
Julie’s Bicycle are excited to present Episode 2 of Seeds, a new podcast series by No Stone Theatre.
Based on the incredible true story of the world’s first seed bank, Seeds reflects on questions of biodiversity and food security in times of crisis. As the creative sector navigates the pandemic in the midst of the catastrophic loss of biodiversity and ecosystems across the globe, Seeds presents a pertinent moment to meditate on the future we hope to see, and how we can progress with a cultural recovery that is just and sustainable.
The podcast series was adapted from a stage play which was in development before the pandemic. While theatres remain dark, each episode will be released in partnership with venues and organisations from across the UK, in the form of a ‘digital tour’.
On Wednesday, 14th October 2020 at 7:00pm BST, Julie’s Bicycle will be hosting a live listen of Episode 2: This is the Tram on Facebook. Follow us to join in when the event begins.
About the story
Established in St Petersburg in 1921 by Nikolai Vavilov, the world’s first seed bank contained vital samples of crops and plants from all over the world to guard against famine and preserve the future of biodiversity. During the terrible siege of the city during the second world war, the scientists protected the edible samples from rats, a starving population, and from each other.
The story is told in two timelines, one set during the siege itself, and the second set today, as the Coronavirus pandemic takes hold of the city. The timelines weave together to examine our ability to sacrifice our present to preserve our future, and how we remember our past to makes sense of who we have become.
Starring: Nina Sosanya, Katy Stephens, Graeme Rose, Kirsty Rider, Jordon Kemp.
Creative Team: Nicholas Pitt (Director), Johanna Taylor (Producer), Nick Walker (Writer), Jon Ouin (Music & Sound Design)
Episode 1 was released in partnership with The University of Warwick’s UK Vegetable Genebank – listen here. After Episode 2 arrives with Julie’s Bicycle, the digital tour will continue with Curve Theatre, Birmingham Repertory Theatre, Derby Theatre, Camden People’s Theatre, Arcola Theatre, and more to be announced.
Seeds is also available to listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
No Stone Theatre is Director Nicholas Pitt & Producer Johanna Taylor, started with the plan to initiate dynamic interdisciplinary collaborations that create contemporary pieces of theatre for socially engaged and curious audiences. They aim to heighten awareness, deepen debate and humanise historical, political and environmental issues drawn from our current cultural moment.
This project is supported by Arts Council England.
