PolyformZ forms partnership with Yellow Earth Theatre

PolyformZ, a London based maker of polystyrene props and sets, has agreed to in-kind sponsorship of the Yellow Earth Theatre Company.
YET is a London based international touring company that promotes the involvement of East Asian themes and culture on the world theatrical circuit. They also actively include actors and directors of East Asian decent amongst their multi-ethnic casts and crew.
The arrangement, which is designed to be mutually beneficial, may see PolyformZ providing labour and material to YET's set designers in lieu of cash sponsorship or monetary donations.
When asked what the returns are expected to be for PolyformZ, business developer Parker Lake made it clear that the relationship goes beyond the quid pro quo of a traditional sponsorship/branding arrangement.
"We want to show stage set designers what we can do with coated and painted foam while associating our name with one of London's most unique and enterprising theatrical companies," he said. "YET's commitment to include the PolyformZ brand on their programme and other literature will definitely put our name in front of important decision makers in world theatre scene".
The first cooperation between YET and PolyformZ may possibly be the forthcoming King Lear production. YET’s adaptation of the Shakespearean classic re-sets the piece in medieval China. The production will launch in London in early autumn 2006, then tour through Asia into the New Year. In spring 2007 the show will return to UK for a national tour.
"This presents interesting challenges to us as prop and set makers," said Tomek Bober, the Director in charge of operations at PolyformZ, "we may need to make a set that can be taken around the world for half a year - being packed and shipped over and over and assembled and disassemble time after time. The advantages are that foam is inexpensively replaced if damaged and its light, thus easy to transport. In many ways we have the perfect material for show on the road like this."
PolyformZ is keen to promote its new partner to its clients, industry peers, web users and colleagues. "As individuals, everyone can enrich their lives by going to see Yellow Earth perform," said Lake. “Their professionalism, and the fact that they enjoy what they do, make them a pleasure to watch. That makes us happy to be affiliated with them."
(GB)