Commissioning Companies: The Gate

The Gate is London's only theatre dedicated solely to producing international work. With an average seating capacity of 70 and only 4 full-time staff, the Gate is small but ambitious -Stephen Daldry made his mark as Artistic Director of the Gate, bringing casts as large as 20 to the tiny auditorium. In August 2004, Thea Sharrock joined the Gate as the new Artistic Director.

Linbury finalists will be asked to design for The Emperor Jones by Eugene O'Neill. A highly political play about power, greed and race, The Emperor Jones provides an exciting opportunity for the three designers to address the expressionistic style of the play as well as take on the challenges of the Gate's confined space. Richard Hudson, the acclaimed designer, will be designing a production of The Emperor Jones at the Gate in November this year. The winning Linbury finalist will design the Gate's bi-annual Translation Award to be staged in the summer of 2006, directed by Thea Sharrock.

As one of the most flexible and transformable theatres in London, the Gate has a long-running commitment to championing and developing innovative theatre design. The Jerwood Young Designers at the Gate initiative, supported by the Jerwood Charity, seeks out and supports emerging designers and is now in its fourth year. Participating in the Linbury Biennial is a natural extension of work the Gate is already doing in this area.

Thea Sharrock, Artistic Director, The Gate said: "I am very excited to be working with the Linbury Biennial, as I am very proud of the reputation the Gate has for its excellence and imagination for stage design over its 26 year history. Working with a Linbury designer allows the Gate to do what it does best: take risks through supporting young talent"

www.gatetheatre.co.uk