TYPE OF WORK
Issue based contemporary dance theatre (performances and theme related workshops). Ideally, the performance and educational programmes should be linked but can be undertaken separately.

TARGET GROUPS
Young people and adults working with young people.

GEOGRAPHICAL CONTEXT
UK, North Africa and Middle East, North America, South America, East Asia Pacific, Australia/New Zealand, Central and Eastern Europe, Western and Southern Europe

COMPANY POLICY
Ludus creates contemporary dance theatre with a strong narrative and clear sense of purpose, based around issues of significance to young people. The work is multimedia in nature and aspires to 'make sense' for young people both intellectually and emotionally within a socio-political context. Themes range from racism to nuclear power.

Ludus aims to change the way young people view 'art' and the way that they learn about life. Performances are supported by a series of workshops that explore themes from the show through movement, collaboration and debate. Residencies are backed up by support material. Ludus also offers training/mentoring modules.

SCALE OF PROJECTS
Number of practitioners: Varies
Number of participants: Varies
Preparation time: 4-6 months minimum
Contact time: 1 week minimum

PERMANENT STAFF: 17
Deborah Barnard, Director
Gil Graystone, Head of Touring/Education
Jasper Marriot, Dancer/Teacher
Elisa Macauley, Dancer/Teacher
Kate Mercer, Dancer/Teacher
Anna Kendrick, Dancer/Teacher

Sold (UK/Portugal 1998-99)
Explored issues surrounding child labour. The initial inspiration for Sold came from the life story of Iqbal Masih and the young Canadian activist, Craig Keilburger (Free the Children). The company formed partnerships with Anti-Slavery International, World Education Development Centres, UNICEF, Free the Children, Christian Aid, filmmakers (Magnus Bergmar) and human rights activists. The work received an award of recognition from Free the Children in Canada.

Aims: To raise awareness of the issues relating to child labour and exploitation. To offer ideas as to how young people could contribute to human rights issues. To acknowledge that young people can contribute and can be heard (through the stories of Iqbal and Craig).

Ludus avoids the 'guilt-trip' approach to change and tries to engender a positive sense of responsibility and a belief that, as an individual one can make a difference. Sold, for example, encouraged a letter writing campaign to large corporations and government officials.

Zygote
The show explores choices young people make in relation to sex and parenting. (touring until spring 2004)