'Faust' Goes 3D With University Of Bradford And Silver Hammer Collaboration

The University of Bradford is bringing 3D animation into a production of 'Faust' in collaboration with local production company The Silver Hammer.
In this Arts Council England (ACE) funded project, young people from across the district will be brought together with professional actors and technicians. The production will combine live theatre with motion capture animation technology to create a dynamic and innovative theatrical experience.
The University is committed to working with partners across the district and has fostered longstanding links with community and voluntary groups. The production of FAUST sees the continuation of the Community Animation Project and the partnerships created from that.
Led by Director Sarah Applewhite from The Silver Hammer, young people from the Elysium Project (a mental health community development organisation) will work with the specialist technical staff in the University's School of Informatics to create animated moving images through motion capture technology. These images will then become part of the theatrical performance of Faust.
Freda Shafi, who secured £24,000 of ACE funding for this project, is a Project Manager for the Centre for Culture, Creativity and Knowledge Exchange at the University of Bradford. She said: "It is very important that we continue to support and nurture young people across the Bradford district through the use of new technologies.
"There are a number of young people that do not have access to the level of media that we are using here. We hope this project will inspire and develop their skills and talents."
Sasha Bhat, the Elysium Project Co-ordinator, said: "FAUST has been an innovative opportunity to look at confidence building, self image, working in groups and creating peer social support that would not otherwise have been possible or available."
For more information on Simula Media Services: www.inf.brad.ac.uk/kt/simula.php
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