RACISM comes under the spotlight in a £50,000 musical being staged in the region next year.

The production is a collaboration between The Sage, Gateshead, and Middlesbrough Council.

Called Union City and described as a multi-cultural youth project, the mix of film, music and dance is an update of a play first produced by Dave Kelman and South African playwright Masitha Hoane, ten years ago.

The play is based on a fictitious football team the production looks at the tensions caused by racism.

Some of the original performers will act as teachers at workshop sessions.

Arts Council England, North-East, has provided £25,000.

Project manager Brian Wise said; "The funding will allow Union City to operate as a high profile community arts project from September 2004 to October 2005.

"During this period we'll run a series of taster workshops with young people who will work alongside professional artists."

Anyone aged between 16 and 24 who would like to be involved in the production can ring Brian Wise at Middlesbrough Council Arts Development on (01642) 315244.

The first workshop will be at The International Centre, Abingdon Road, Middlesbrough, on Tuesday, from 5pm to 8pm.

Union City will be staged at Middlesbrough Theatre, Arc, in Stockton and The Sage, Gateshead, next autumn.

Published: 23/09/2004