Arun Graves-Kochhar, a BA (Hons) Acting for Stage & Screen student at The Northern School of Art, won the ARC Solo Show Award at ARC Stockton Arts Centre.
An industry panel hailed his piece as “brilliantly written … honest and authentic” and lauded his “excellent and engaging” performance.Arun Graves-Kochhar in the School’s production of Julius Caesar (Image: Northern School of Art)
Mr Graves-Kochhar said: “The piece is something that is very personal to me as it focuses on issues of racism and struggles of identity, particularly the struggle of a mixed-race identity and never truly feeling a part of any part of your heritage.
“I also explored growing up in Britain and how exposure to racial abuse often starts at a young age and how that affects you, often leading to identity struggles as a result, growing up and losing love for a certain part of who you are after being targeted because of it.”
Mr Graves-Kochhar hopes to extend this piece for the 2025 Newcastle Fringe Festival.Arun Graves-Kochhar in rehearsals (Image: Northern School of Art)
Other final-year students were also recognised for their performances.
Izzy Sander’s performance, Rich Pickings, looked into the stigma surrounding mothers juggling family and ambition.
She said: “I wanted to highlight the importance of supporting mothers pursuing their dreams.”
Ms Sander also plans to adapt her piece for the Newcastle Fringe Festival.Izzy Sander (Image: Northern School of Art)
Commending the students’ efforts, Senior lecturer Jonny Bussell said: “The students have complete autonomy of the pieces with regards to style and content, which always means there is an eclectic mix of pieces.
“I was proud of all the pieces performed, and Arun was a worthy recipient of the award.
“The piece was nuanced, well-crafted and excellently performed.
“The themes are extremely important, and it is a story not often told on UK stages.
“It has lots of potential to be developed into a fuller piece.”
Mr Bussell added: “Previous winners have gone on to be supported in the development of the work by ARC and Arts Council England.
“It is a great opportunity for our students as they progress into the industry.”
The ARC Solo Show Award has been running for four years, organised by the School’s education partner, ARC Stockton Arts Centre.
The winner receives support to refine their piece for future performances.