Tarell Alvin McCraney and Alistair McDowall join Live Theatre’s Unearthed Festival championing new talent from the North East.

Live Theatre in Newcastle are launching their 11-day Unearthed Festival, dedicated to new work and artist development. Running from Tuesday 20 to Saturday 31 May highlights of the festival include: The Royal Court at Live led by David Byrne and Ishy Din, masterclasses with Alistair McDowall and an online Q and A with Oscar winner Tarell Alvin McCraney (Moonlight).

The festival will also feature readings, performances, and scratch nights, the majority of which will be on sale for Live Theatre’s freelance rate of £6. There will also be a mid-career artist gathering, Fail Friday, led by theatre maker Luca Rutherford and creative socials for parents who work in the arts.

Live Theatre Artistic Director, Jack McNamara said: “The global level of artists we have gathered together for this festival is testament to how passionate people feel about nurturing the great artists of tomorrow. And Newcastle, and the wider North East, is rightfully being seen as the crucible of new work that it is. We hope that in these uncertain times a festival like Unearthed can fight against the doom mongering, reminding people that investing in new work is more necessary  than ever.”

“Amid all the noise and division of today’s world new writing is more vital now than ever.  Stories can be lifelines – threads of hope, defiance and shared humanity. When people create they reclaim space, shatter barriers, and sow empathy in hardened ground where unearthed voices become mirrors for us all in a quiet revolution – tender, brave and unrelenting – reminding us who we are and who we still might become.

John Dawson, Artist Development Producer added: “This Festival is about more than performances; it is about growth, risk, and connection through creating space for artists to take risks, find their people, and feel seen. That’s what drives us, championing voices that deserve to be heard, telling the untold stories rooted in our region, and boldly building a national stage right here in the North East. We exist to give artists the freedom to create without limits, and the recognition they deserve to rise, be seen, and be celebrated.”

Look out for further programme announcements, check out the Unearthed Festival lineup and book tickets at www.live.org.uk