MAX PERCY AND MEHDI RAZI APPOINTED CO-ARTISTIC DIRECTORS OF PAPERGANG THEATRE

It’s with great pleasure that we announce that Max Percy and Mehdi Razi will be taking up the leadership of Papergang Theatre, following the departure of founder and co-Artistic Director Clarissa Widya and co-Artistic Director Kim Pearce in 2024.

Max Percy (he/him) is a multi-disciplinary artist creating ambitious experiences across dance, theatre, sculpture, technology and accessibility. Notable work includes ‘Baklâ’ (Asian Arts Award Winner 2023), ‘This is Not a Show about Hong Kong’ (Untapped Award Winner & Scotsman's Fringe First 2022.

Mehdi Razi (he/him) is a Cardiff based creative producer, consultant and director with experience in opera, theatre and dance. Organisations he has worked with include Welsh National Opera, Wales Millennium Centre, National Theatre Wales, Sherman Theatre, Hannover State Opera Germany, Wermland Opera Sweden, Theatre Clwyd, Theatre Bristol, Arts Council of Wales, Cardiff Open Air Theatre Festival

Papergang Theatre is a charitable organization dedicated to advancing British East/South East Asian (BESEA) stories and artists in the dramatic arts. The company has been particularly noted for supporting emerging artists with their first productions and for bold socio-political work. 

Max and Mehdi have been engaged for an 18 month term as part of a supported leadership development opportunity funded by Artistic Directors of the Future and New Earth Theatre. The scheme seeks to give the new leadership team an understanding of the mechanics and requirements of running a project-to-project company/charity.

Simon Ly, Chair says:

“We are delighted to announce Max and Mehdi as our new co-Artistic Directors. They are both experienced practitioners who have a record of telling interesting stories from a fresh perspective. It's an exciting time in the BESEA theatre sector and we look forward to them delivering projects that enrich and challenge the community. The aim of the programme is to develop leaders, not just for our community but the wider theatre community too. And in Max and Mehdi, we feel we've chosen two practitioners who have huge potential.  We really can't wait to see what they'll achieve. “

Simon Parsonage (Trustee) says: 

“Having heard their inspirational ideas and vision I am really excited to see what Max and Mehdi can achieve as Papergang’s new co-Artistic Directors”

Max and Mehdi say:

“We want Papergang Theatre to be a platform and resource that empowers East & South East Asian creatives, and that breaks down barriers to employment, participation and enjoyment in the arts.  Clarissa Wydia and Kim Pearce have done an incredible job at forming a loving and supportive community, with a string of game-changing productions and we hope to stand on the shoulders of their success. With our networks in England and Wales, we hope to discover what opportunities there might be for an enriched cultural exchange between nations. We want to continue to celebrate and showcase the breadth of talent that our creative community has to offer.”

Mehdi Razi and Max Percy bring to the role extensive experience across multiple art forms such as dance, theatre, opera, festivals and events. They envision ground breaking work across England and Wales to raise the profile and expression of BESEA community’s arts.