PARTICIPANTS are being sought to help a Barnard Castle-based artist complete an international project.

Former Teesdale School pupil, Rupert Ludlow, spent three months last year studying in Hamburg, in Germany, as the first stage of a Theatre for Social Change scholarship programme.

During the placement, he developed a project that aimed to explore the cultural heritage of Teesdale, including the values and the sense of identity of the area’s residents, young and old.

He has spent eight months working with youngsters from Teesdale School, in Barnard Castle, and residents from the town’s Manor House care home to collect oral histories and gauge views on the themes of home, identity and community.

The integration of young and old has proved so successful that some students are set to carry out voluntary work at the care home to build on their friendships with the elderly residents.

As part of the culmination of his first year of work on the project, Mr Ludlow is being joined by fellow Hamburg student Lucia Cholakian, from Argentina, to deliver a series of workshops.

The events, during which Ms Cholakian will share her own theatre practice, including Theatre of the Oppressed, mime, circus and improvisation, are aimed at all ages and abilities.

Mr Ludlow said: “The workshops promise to be a lot of fun and will be an opportunity to learn more about our individual projects, as well as to meet new people and exchange ideas.

“No prior experience is necessary.”

The workshops will culminate in a short performance presenting the new skills developed over the week.

They take place in the drama studio at Teesdale School, from Monday (March 24) to Friday, March 28, from 4pm to 6pm.

For information, call Mr Ludlow 07926-076187.