An amazing opportunity for young people aged 14 - 22 to take part in the European Capital of Culture Finale in Liverpool in December this year. Portrait of a Nation is a dramatic conclusion to the year in which young people from Oxford and other Capitals of Culture will be taking part in a short performance about their city.

Promoted by Oxford Inspires (the cultural agency for Oxfordshire), Oxfordshire Youth Arts Partnership (OYAP) and Pegasus Theatre, any young people interested in being part of the performance must come from an established youth arts organisation and a maximum of 15 young performers will be required.

The theme of the piece will be about Oxford as a migratory city - communities who have arrived here, left something of themselves and moved on. The focus will be on physical theatre creating a visual spectacle with music. The whole may be performed as separate episodes or a single piece.

The rehearsals will kick off with a week long residency at Pegasus Theatre from Monday 26th to Friday 30th May 10am to 4pm daily. This will be followed by another at the beginning of August (4th to 8th), a weekend in September (20th to 21st), a residency from 27th October to 2nd November at Pegasus and in Liverpool and a final rehearsal will take place at Pegasus towards the end of November. A local performance at the BMW plant Oxford on 29th November will take place before the finale events between 30th November and 3rd December in Liverpool.

Anyone wanting to take part can get an application form from the websites of OYAP and Pegasus Theatre or ring 01869 602560. Applications must be made by 30th April.