"To delight and enlighten children"
Naomi has always loved creating magical stories, from the imaginings of a little girl growing up in a lonely world alongside the Thames Estuary, to the tales she creates today, inspired by the wealth of cultures, languages and colour in the sprawling city of London. Here the children invite her to listen, share and create.
After attending a play reading of Naomi’s play Not Bound Within at the Tristan Bates Theatre and ‘loving’ what they saw, the Young Vic commissioned Naomi to write a new play in Zimbabwe where it would also be performed, as a companion piece to their production of The Convert by Danai Gurira.
Image created by Naomi Cortes
Naomi's play Not Bound Within, is a battle-cry response to the exploitation of women both past and present - all the more relevant in light of the #MeToo movement - which also addresses the urgent need to tackle the stigma associated with mental health, especially in how it affects the well-being of our young people.
Naomi Cortes in association with Mindspray Young Ambassadors
Different aspects of Naomi’s work as a highly skilled theatremaker - devising, writing and storytelling - combine to create accessible and engaging workshops for all. Beginning with discussion and sharing of ideas, focussing on a either a suggested theme or current topic, she begins to introduce the craft of writing - whether for theatre, another type of performance such as poetry, or even giving a presentation.
Illustration created by Gris Grimly
Naomi's play The Littlest Quirky which was produced by Theatre Centre and supported by Stratford Circus, was shortlisted for The Brian Way Award for Best New Play, which celebrated a professionally produced play for children and young people.
Image © Sophy Henn
Naomi continues to work with Discover Children's Story Centre, the UK’s first story centre for children aged 0-11 and their families. Here, she creates as a writer and director adapting children's picture books into interactive and engaging storytelling shows for babies and toddlers and of course, their grown ups!
Julie McNamara, founder of Vital Xposure, and Naomi have been huge supporters of each other’s work for many years, placing marginalised voices at the centre of their creativity. Recognising Naomi’s specialist experience in arts education, Julie asked her to create a series of resources for her upcoming season of touring productions.
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