Although Dundee Rep remains closed to the public for the time being, the renowned theatre and arts company has determined that the show must go on, teaming up with Scottish Dance Theatre to present a unique seasonal programme for Dundee and beyond.

The seasonal programme Shine On includes a behind-the-scenes documentary of the same name which follows Dundee Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre as they find ways to adapt when faced with the challenges created by lockdown and the COVID-19 pandemic. Both companies will also present Advent, a series of 24 digital performances filmed on the Dundee Rep stage which will be shared on social media each day in December leading up to Christmas.

Another highlight of Shine On will be special bespoke socially distanced performances gifted to four lucky Dundonians. Anyone can nominate a friend, family member or colleague before Thu 12 Nov to receive a Present, a unique Christmas pop-up performance on their doorstep or back garden. Lastly, award-winning designer Karen Tennant and lighting designer Emma Jones will transform the Dundee Rep Theatre into a work of sound and visual art to bring festive cheer to everyone who passes by the building in the city.

Andrew Panton, Artistic Director of Dundee Rep Theatre and Joint Chief Executive Officer of Dundee Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre, said: 'I am inspired, heartened and in awe of the creative response not just of the team here at the Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre but of the wider community this year as we come to terms with the Coronavirus pandemic together. We're grateful for the support from both the Scottish Government and Creative Scotland to enable us to create this programme and to the people of Dundee whose response and engagement since lockdown has been overwhelming. Despite all the challenges the pandemic has strengthened our bonds with the community in Dundee and beyond. As people look for a light to guide us through the dark nights ahead we are delighted to share the creative talent, energy and open heartedness of our ensembles and all the freelance talent we collaborate with to enable us to make the work that we do. We hope that our programme will help us all to continue to hang on to our inner light in the months ahead.'

In spring 2021, the This Is For You Dundee programme strand will see six new, interactive micro-commissions pop up across the city. Through theatre, dance, music and visual art, the projects by a wide range artists and creatives will aim to 'celebrate Dundee voices, explore the city and our place within it.'

Included in the programme is outdoor family production Dundee Delight Dice, as well as Taking Space, a production created in collaboration with young women which will explore safety in public spaces. Also featured is street dance collective Three60's Mother Earth and dance artist Yosuke Kusano's Dundee QR-kun, which will uniquely mix virtual and live performance. Fearless Players will unite with Alzheimer's Scotland for Remember Dundee, a series of workshops allowing people living with dementia and their families to create performances through exploring experiences, challenges and memories of life in Dundee.

Theatre collective Bandwidth's recollect will celebrate and commemorate Dundonians' cancelled plans in an outdoor performance in the city centre, while Dundee and Angus College students will also hit Dundee's streets for Chatbox, asking one audience member at a time to make a face-to-face connection while maintaining a two metre distance.

Artistic Director of Scottish Dance Theatre, Joan Clevillé said: 'Taking performance out of the theatre and into the streets has changed the way we see the world and hopefully how the world sees us. I'm continually impressed by the openness of both the dancers of Scottish Dance Theatre and the communities across Dundee with whom we have danced for these past few months. The pandemic has highlighted our need for connection and creative expression. While the future remains uncertain this much is clear, dance has a vital role to play in our wellbeing as we move through this together.'

In addition to the Dundee-specific performances, Dundee Rep Theatre and Scottish Dance Theatre are also set to present a digital programme of performances, creative projects and more throughout the spring. Among these is Introducing… Antigone, Interrupted, a unique digital hybrid production which which will give audiences the chance to see footage from the original stage show, meet the characters and hear from choreographer Joan Clevillé and dancer Solène Weinachter. The production will continue to virtually 'tour' both nationally and internationally in the new year.

To nominate someone to receive a socially distant Present performance in Dundee this holiday season, email [email protected] before Thu 12 Nov at 5pm and answer the following questions:

1. Who you would like to receive the performance and why?
2. Where do you think we might perform the Present?
3. What do they most like about Christmas?
4. Are there any seasonal films, stories, shows or songs they particularly love or enjoy?

For full details of the Christmas programme and the 2021 season, visit dundeereptheatre.co.uk or scottishdancetheatre.com