THE LAB
THE LAB
ABOUT
Forest Tribe is an innovative company that creates bespoke immersive theatre for all audiences. In particular, audiences from low-socio economic groups as well as neuro-diverse and neuro-typical. We strive to find new ways to connect with our loyal audiences. We are very aware of the capabilities to form new entertainment.
Our background in immersive sensory theatre produces creative content that will increase the sector’s growth.
Forest Tribe has a strong ethos in sustainability and is we pioneer dynamic ways to reduce our carbon footprint.
DIVERSe
We are a diverse-led company and make every effort to employ a diverse freelance workforce. We play a role in diversifying the cultural sector- advocating positive change.
Storytelling
We listen and make compelling stories that resonates with our audiences. Our audiences play an active and equal role in the making of our work.
inclusive
The very nature of our work are for audiences who are both neurodiverse and neurotypical. We take care to ensure our work connects with our audiences.
creative dynamism
We create exciting work that pushes the boundaries.
We celebrate the richness of our society and bring "unheard" voices to the stage
CORE CREATIVE TEAM
DEBBIE BANDARA
Debbie Bandara is the founder of Forest Tribe. Her desire is to make risk -taking and innovative work that reaches new audiences who rarely experience arts and creativity. She has developed her repertoire and explores the power of language through movement. Her work delves into digital technology with her background in Artificial Intelligence.
Her directing, choreography, writing and producing skills for shows demonstrates her passion for crafting highly-artistic immersive work for her audiences.
She is the former Associate Director for The Oily Cart and where she was the lead choreographer and co-director for their shows for children with complex needs, deaf blind, global developmental delay, autism and profound multiple learning needs. She also supports practitioners who make work for audiences with complex needs.
She regularly mentors emerging diverse and inclusive artists. She is also the Champion for England's International Inclusive Arts Network (ASSITEJ).
DAVID FREEDMAN
David is a blacksmith and sculptor with over 20 years experience. He specialises in metal and wood public realm creations for sculpture trails, gardens, exhibitions and interiors. His innovative set designs for theatre and non-theatre settings has such attention to detail.
He is also a professional writer, and has written for many of the shows at Forest Tribe. His work can be found on his websites: stuntcrow.com and
davidfreedmansculpture.com
SAM MORRIS
Sam's creation and composition of new music scores brings the magic into our shows. His collage of live and recorded music, are cleverly intertwined. He trained at Manchester University and has over 15 years professional experience as a talented bassist, French horn player, pianist, composer, arranger and teacher. In the commercial music industry he is a songwriter and session musician and has worked with, among others, Badly Drawn Boy, Snow Patrol, Paul Heaton & Jacqui Abbott, Marillion, and Jessca Hoop. In 2016 he created the music for the acclaimed Forest Tribe R&D production "Alluriat".