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Final curtain call for north-east theatrical group


By David Porter

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Modo Scotland,which works with youngsters across the north-east and in particular in the Buchan area, has announced it will permanently stop in October.

Theatre Modo
Theatre Modo

Creative director Martin Danziger said it had been a really difficult decision for the company to make

In a statement Mr Danziger, said: "Modo is very proud of all our achievements and of all our young people but our time has come to an end.

"It has been a really difficult decision for the company to make, and something that has not come lightly.

"However, despite the clear need and increasing demand for our activities it is clear that our vision for a fit for purpose and creative youth provision in Peterhead does not have the support it needs in order to be fulfilled.

"We are delighted that we will end our time in Peterhead delivering a full programme of creative youth activities.

"Over the summer holidays we are running a five-week activity programme for referred young people.

"August and September will see us deliver our commitments to the Home Hame Dom Dom project, ensuring that young people are fully accredited for their achievements with us, and wherever possible signposted to other organisations who can continue to support them. In the meantime, we will continue to do our best to support young people onto positive destinations."

Modo’s work started back in 2009 with the first of the Shell Fireworks Parades.

Thanks to the continuous support from Shell UK, Modo then went on to deliver the Shell Fireworks Parades for ten years.

This was based at Aden Park for six years and became a highlight in north-east attracting audiences of thousands from across the region.

The success of this work led to the company relocating fully to Aberdeenshire in 2014.

Theatre Modo at Aden
Theatre Modo at Aden

Since then, Modo has worked with 48,000 young people, delivering a staggering 11,000 hours of youth work.

It has been involved in 200 community events, galas and workshops and some 300 young people have been given over 54,000 hours of volunteering opportunities through its various programmes and events, who have been accredited with over 1000 Saltire, Dynamic Youth, Hi5 and Youth Achievement awards.

In the past four years the core of Modo's work has been at Encounter Youth Café.

Since opening in 2016, Encounter has engaged with 3000 young people.

Encounter has worked with over 50 organisations, partners and funders to deliver a wide range of youth and cultural activities and events.

On top of all of this, it has created seven touring shows which were widely acclaimed, both in Scotland and at festivals abroad.

It has made possible 170 places on 30 national and international trips, taking part in festivals and exchanges in a total of 14 different countries.

Over time Modo has been honoured with a variety of awards including: Arts and Business Placemaking Award, Inspiring Aberdeenshire: Best of Buchan Award and Creative Place Award, CoSLA Excellence Award for Achieving Better Outcomes, Community Impact Award from Aberdeenshire Voluntary Action and a Volunteer Friendly Award.

Mr Danziger said: "All Modo’s work requires significant input of expertise, resources, and, above all, labour, much of which has been given with heart-warming willingness by our team and our volunteers.

"However, it is impossible to fulfil our vision or to provide young people with the support and provision they deserve without official support, which is why, with great regrets, we have been forced into this decision and wish all of our partners and participants well for the future."

Banff and Buchan MP David Duguid said: "I am really sorry to hear this sad news.

"I’ve seen for myself the huge impact Martin and the Modo Scotland team have had on youngsters in and around Peterhead.

"I’m sure people around the area will miss the wide variety of shows and the ever-present performers at local events."


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