Mahri Reilly will join the Ovalhouse team from the National Theatre of Scotland, in the newly created role as the Head of Learning and Participation.
Having previously worked extensively on participatory art programmes for children and young people which challenge accessibility and promote social inclusion, including street theatre events, festivals and in education settings, Mahri Reilly joins the Ovalhouse in the newly created role as the Head of Learning and Participation.
Talking of the news of her appointment Mahri Reilly said: “I am committed to using art as a tool for social transformation, designing opportunities to occupy and reclaim spaces where communities can gather together to share stories, break down barriers and imagine new narratives through creative participation. I am thrilled to be joining Ovalhouse in these exciting new times, as Head of Learning and Participation. I can’t wait to work with the team and hungry to get started on our new adventure together.”
She currently leads on ‘Theatre in Schools Scotland’, a national touring programme aimed at ensuring every child in Scotland gains experience of a high-quality theatre production in their primary school. Additionally, Mahri leads on the UK wide PIPA (Parents/Carers in the Performing Arts).
Speaking of the news Ovalhouse’s director Deborah Bestwick said: “Ovalhouse is very lucky! Mahri’s energy, ambition and appetite for innovative and inclusive projects are the perfect fit for everything we are building as we move towards our new building in Brixton. We want to be able to discover and show off the incredible ideas and talent within our neighbouring communities, illuminate debate through performance and make sure that local young people can see a route to jobs and skills via the arts, and Mahri has a fantastic range of experience.”