Rooted in Movement is our artist support programme for North of England based movement artists who have lived experience of being Othered by the society we live in. Company of Others is an Artist-led organisation, and whilst we’re not an artist development organisation or agency, we know how important it is for artists to have time to play, discover and dream. We’ve created our artist development offer with these 3 aims at the core, with no artistic output expected.
The artist development programme consists of residencies at The Bricks (our home in Walker) and travel bursaries to enable connection and exploration for artists whose personal ancestry has roots beyond the borders of the UK. This year, we were delighted to have been able to continue to programme and offer this support again.
Now, we’re excited to introduce the 2025 Rooted in Movement recipients – three powerful artists using movement and personal storytelling to explore identity, build connection, and spark change.
Hamzeh Al Hussien
Travel Bursary Recipient 2025
Hamzeh is a disabled artist from Syria who discovered theatre, movement and performance in Za’atari camp through workshops, where he began to perform, touring shows across the camp and facilitating workshops with young people with disabilities. Hamzeh is a joyous performer who brings positivity, warmth and a lot of humour, and has countless stories to share of his incredible life. Hamzeh explores his lived experience of disability and seeking sanctuary through his autobiographical work.
‘Penguin’ was Hamzeh’s professional debut, now currently touring the UK and internationally, gaining much press, brilliant reviews and winning Best Newcomer at the NE Culture Awards. He regularly performs in panto and as an actor, clown and entertainer.
In Hamzeh’s words:
“This travel bursary gives me a chance to return to the places that shaped me, Jordan and Syria, and to sit, remember, and reconnect. I hope to find new ideas by walking through the camp and the mountains, seeing my family again, and meeting other disabled artists doing important work. I want to listen, reflect, and begin to imagine the next stories I will tell.”
Follow Hamzeh’s journey: @penguin_by_hamzeh
Mahshid Alavi
Residency Recipient 2025
Mahshid is a live performance artist, filmmaker, and facilitator from Tehran. With roots in Iranian dance and a growing multidisciplinary practice spanning live performance and film, Mahshid’s work explores emotional landscapes of migration, identity, and connection.
Believing in movement as a powerful and universal language, Mahshid integrates dance, film, and live performance to craft narratives deeply inspired by her lived experiences while offering a broader perspective. Mahshid strives to bring people together, fostering dialogue and creating connection.
In Mahshid’s words:
“My hopes for this residency is to use the time and support to slow down and play—to experiment freely without the pressure of producing a finished piece.”
Follow Mahshid’s work on Instagram: @mahshidea
Alicia Meehan
Residency Recipient 2025
Alicia Meehan is a movement artist, performer, choreographer, movement director and facilitator. Drawing from physical theatre, contemporary dance and comedy, Alicia creates immersive, cross-genre experiences that blur the lines between the real and the surreal. Her work thrives at the intersection of theatre, dance, cabaret, and community-led performance, often incorporating text, props, and episodic structures to explore the complexity of identity, power dynamics, and societal expectations.
Her choreographic practice celebrates radical joy and unapologetic self-expression, blending movement, text, and visual storytelling to challenge traditional norms and champion queer narratives. She is driven to create work that connects people and fosters spaces where people feel seen, valued, and empowered.
Alicia is also a Grief Floats performer with Company of Others.
In Alicia’s words:
“I’m so grateful and excited to be a recipient of the Rooted in Movement programme. The residency will allow me the time and space to refine my creative practise, whilst also continue to develop my latest work What Adult Am I?”
Keep up with Alicia on Instagram: @Alicia_Meehan
Image credit: Luke Waddington
We can’t wait to see where these opportunities lead this year’s artists.
