tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11074230505075329772024-03-05T04:00:21.654+00:00HyperCriticTheatre and Live Events in South Wales Reviewed by Chelsey Gillard a 'Bridgend Young Critic'Chelseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14070763796147405797noreply@blogger.comBlogger111125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1107423050507532977.post-46174073122534235082015-10-15T11:39:00.003+01:002015-10-15T11:39:31.350+01:00Madcap Comedy with Intelligence<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="color: white;">Yuri<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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012<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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Stwdio<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="color: white;">Absolutely
bonkers and completely madcap <i>Yuri</i>
seems to take place in fantasy world where showers spout glitter and it’s perfectly
acceptable to abduct a child from Lidl. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="color: white;">August 012
have been presenting ambitions and unusual work in Cardiff for the past few
years and are guaranteed to produce a daring and enjoyable show. Although
always pushing boundaries director Mathilde Lopez’s work often feels somehow
unfinished, as if the physical production doesn’t quite represent her ambitious
vision. But this time Lopez has struck gold - <i>Yuri</i> is fully realised and it is glorious! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSubhkUuRbzOJj0wbzJ2pUPXJSb6TQ3ixQN4WqglhS1HDjKMsDgToQ1yEcnCIIlClCrk1Wo8wt2H6rCd6iNwsYtl-j4FQMWuEs9cCfWNIwdF9GUZ_psYj3YlEuYqK-kSXIc0KCeJjThRk/s1600/yuri2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSubhkUuRbzOJj0wbzJ2pUPXJSb6TQ3ixQN4WqglhS1HDjKMsDgToQ1yEcnCIIlClCrk1Wo8wt2H6rCd6iNwsYtl-j4FQMWuEs9cCfWNIwdF9GUZ_psYj3YlEuYqK-kSXIc0KCeJjThRk/s400/yuri2.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Ceri Murphy and Carys Eleri revel in the surreal humour</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="color: white;">The onstage
trio of Carys Eleri (Adele/ Angharad), Ceri Murphy (Patrick) and Guto Wynne
Davies (Yuri) work so well together to create the surreal yet believable world
of play that they bring you with them, smiling amid the chaos. You become
completely involved with the moral predicament Adele and Patrick find
themselves in, wanting there to be a good outcome for all.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="color: white;">Dafydd James
took on the formidable task of adapting Fabrice Melquiot’s absurd comedy to
make it feel as if it is very much a play about Wales and what a good job he
has done. It is presented in both Welsh and English versions, having surtitles
in the other language for each performance. As someone with only a very basic
grasp of Welsh I was still able to fully enjoy the Welsh language version of
the show and would urge everyone to go and see a great example of how to make
Welsh language theatre understandable for all in innovative and fun ways. Special
mention should go to assistant director Elgan Rhys for ensuring continuity between
the Welsh and English versions of the show.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW0BI411N4ewQ6_xx7pMlG-D-P0s9kXAAgL-72hIkw4iSB-GiV1lR6yVJBsSbOF0DZpSnJzFwOuRiM3tczvpsiX35sYdVk-RS7d3t_9OUHUjnsR5WE9qs5qw1SZaG63HhANffU7qXyZCI/s1600/yuri+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW0BI411N4ewQ6_xx7pMlG-D-P0s9kXAAgL-72hIkw4iSB-GiV1lR6yVJBsSbOF0DZpSnJzFwOuRiM3tczvpsiX35sYdVk-RS7d3t_9OUHUjnsR5WE9qs5qw1SZaG63HhANffU7qXyZCI/s400/yuri+1.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Surtitles are integral to the design of the production rather than an afterthought</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="color: white;">Although
wonderfully chaotic and seemingly disconnected from reality <i>Yuri </i>discusses some very serious issues –
such as failing fertility and its implications on fragile masculinity – with surprising
sensitivity. Its exploration of national identity also feels very poignant in
our world of mass displacement of refugees and the global discussion
surrounding aid. <i>Yuri </i>is proof that
serous issues don’t have to be presented with po-faced sterility, sometimes laughter
really is the best medicine.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="color: white;">I urge you to
see this intelligent and hilarious production that is completely leading the
way for experimental and visually bold theatre making in South Wales.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="color: white;">Get tickets
from <a href="http://www.chapter.org/yuri">www.chapter.org/yuri</a><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="color: white;">Thursday 15<sup>th</sup>
October 8pm, English, BSL Interpreted Performance <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="color: white;">Friday 16<sup>th</sup>
October 8pm, Welsh<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="color: white;">Saturday 17th
October 2pm, English and 8pm, Welsh <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="color: white;">£12/£10 (To
see performances in both languages, please contact our box office directly on
029 2030 4400 for a special price of £20/£16)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="color: white;">Recommended
for 18+ (nudity and strong language)</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Chelseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14070763796147405797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1107423050507532977.post-40952088392323738992015-02-03T20:20:00.003+00:002015-02-03T20:20:51.836+00:00Hilarious Sketch Comedy in Cardiff<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Pick N Mixx<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Double Dipp<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Sherman Theatre2<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">28<sup>th</sup> Jan 2015 <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Cardiff’s
newest comedy duo Double Dipp had the sell-out audience in stitches with their
debut performance <i>Pick N Mixx </i>at
Sherman Cymru.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">The
pair consists of writer Geraint Jones and performer Louisa Lorey. Together they
have created a range of weird and wonderful characters that share their madcap
talents and odd life stories – often asking the audience to get involved in the
action.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibn5dD-TVWKxMwPieqLi24Jx-yiuTWdsRQiL-o-cIXLigQSB9bl01mXw6T3D4oBqpENNgh1TN1Q6fG_gmoJ0PjGdlMGBGV8_qLOixqd63I6tu1gT0u_yo7VyzNfk-465Gcre4qcoc2n4g/s1600/LLO.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibn5dD-TVWKxMwPieqLi24Jx-yiuTWdsRQiL-o-cIXLigQSB9bl01mXw6T3D4oBqpENNgh1TN1Q6fG_gmoJ0PjGdlMGBGV8_qLOixqd63I6tu1gT0u_yo7VyzNfk-465Gcre4qcoc2n4g/s1600/LLO.jpg" height="400" width="227" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Lorey in character</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Lorey
showcased her impressive comic timing and huge array of accents, seemingly able
to morph into a completely unrecognisable person with each costume change. From
Petra the feminist, performance poet to Beverly the dubious psychic medium each
new funny lady delivered on the gags and left the audience wanting more.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">It’s
so refreshing to see such funny female characters, that don’t rely on all the
usual clichés or stereotypes. Instead Double Dipp have breathed new life into stock characters
and made them their own. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwIsgTQoxBBEKmqKxolpXC2rneP4R0gz85sko1StPMcTq4ic3dvoQj9tJnkNJ2dSPbYdrcwnQ7kHMiU8qDIj7YNSu1JBVvTSeQzFSLAyj0BEWt46pmXYfJs-xJ_kZZo13lGyfDOi1jxew/s1600/PNM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwIsgTQoxBBEKmqKxolpXC2rneP4R0gz85sko1StPMcTq4ic3dvoQj9tJnkNJ2dSPbYdrcwnQ7kHMiU8qDIj7YNSu1JBVvTSeQzFSLAyj0BEWt46pmXYfJs-xJ_kZZo13lGyfDOi1jxew/s1600/PNM.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">A selection of the great audience feedback</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">This
show is sure to delight wherever it goes and would be certain to succeed at the
Edinburgh Fringe. As the pair continue to develop the piece it will be great to
see more of these characters – most of whom could sustain a full length show by
themselves. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">A
hilarious evening of entertainment that will leave you aching with laughter.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Pick
N Mixx will be at Swansea’s Grand Theatre Arts Wing on March 6<sup>th</sup>:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.swansea.gov.uk/article/10522/Double-Dipps-Pick-N-Mixx-Arts-Wing"><span style="color: white;">www.swansea.gov.uk/article/10522/Double-Dipps-Pick-N-Mixx-Arts-Wing</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Chelseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14070763796147405797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1107423050507532977.post-42802368606970528062015-01-22T21:31:00.002+00:002015-01-22T21:31:35.304+00:00Playful and Experimental <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Invisible City<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Chapter Arts Centre<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">21<sup>st</sup> January 2015<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Invisible City </span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">explores
the life changing move from a small town to the big city. A wonderfully
original one-woman-show full of humour and inventiveness. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Lowri
Jenkins, as writer and performer, gave her very all to embodying Marie – a young
lady who has moved away from home to a confusing and surreal cityscape. In the
imagined megacity Marie must deal with loneliness, job interviews and the
seemingly-conscious self-service tills whilst constantly reassuring her mother that
she is ok.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjupY8XoM7oRICK6weIerAw3zlqRropGao6llTsmknibsrjXTwXFkaNDhanSE_sactfcEvlJJDstSBxy9bHb8NCr59ewAz65uIc38HNQd5jWPRf24GI9v2IeoP6l2vo6taGK23pe_qjzzE/s1600/Invisible_City_22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjupY8XoM7oRICK6weIerAw3zlqRropGao6llTsmknibsrjXTwXFkaNDhanSE_sactfcEvlJJDstSBxy9bHb8NCr59ewAz65uIc38HNQd5jWPRf24GI9v2IeoP6l2vo6taGK23pe_qjzzE/s1600/Invisible_City_22.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Lowri Jenkins as Marie</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">These
frequent phone calls with her mother are played with an honesty everyone can
relate to. Although we only hear Marie’s side of the conversation it’s clear to
see the love between the two – despite Marie’s constant efforts to say goodbye
and hang up. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">The
relationships with offstage people are often touching and are navigated in
innovative and playful ways. In her pursuit of love, Marie even develops a surreal
relationship with an exotic-accented lemon. Jenkins delivers just the right
about of humour to draw proper belly laughs from the audience. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZIB8Fu-7dMfeVp-E-5bDPOtaoNnJrcETlNfDx5DIPNY9O7kmL3pJSkYYuhNSSEUTEzyTMYRkleF4nt9wDNo4N8zA0vSZS1cRzN5dhOD-H3spoLH3lh5OJGMA8mdrWexReaC9wAB1Z7nc/s1600/Invisible_City_20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZIB8Fu-7dMfeVp-E-5bDPOtaoNnJrcETlNfDx5DIPNY9O7kmL3pJSkYYuhNSSEUTEzyTMYRkleF4nt9wDNo4N8zA0vSZS1cRzN5dhOD-H3spoLH3lh5OJGMA8mdrWexReaC9wAB1Z7nc/s1600/Invisible_City_20.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Marie and her unusual lover</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">A
true collaboration between artists <i>Invisible
City </i>brought together a great group of people to contribute to the production.
Jennifer Fletcher, director and choreographer, clearly worked very closely with
Jenkins to create the often subtle but very effective movement that gave the
production its stylised feel. Mat Martin’s original score was perfectly suited
to the piece, it would have been nice to hear more of it, rather than the
overused voiceovers.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">The
concept was intriguing but it felt like there was still more work to be done
before presenting this production to a paying audience. The main themes/scenes
had been fully explored to get every bit of potential from them – to the point
that they could have been edited down a bit. The overly simple set and poorly conceived
lighting also distracted from the beautifully delivered performance. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Playful,
experimental and uplifting – <i>Invisible City
</i>is an enjoyable production that falls just short of being great.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Chelseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14070763796147405797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1107423050507532977.post-53199982468757247262014-12-23T13:03:00.002+00:002014-12-23T13:11:10.382+00:00Christmas Twist<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><b>Anamnesis</b></span></span><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> 25.12<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Mercury Theatre Wales<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Chapter Arts Centre<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">19<sup>th</sup> December 2014<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Having started their development of this production early
this year Mercury Theatre Wales have spent the best part of twelve months perfecting
their alternative Christmas offering - <i>Anamnesis
25.12.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">By collecting stories from a wide range of people of all
faiths and ages Mercury Theatre Wales wanted to produce a show that represented
what Christmas is actually like for most us. Rather than the ruddy cheeked
cherubim of chocolate boxes children are often rowdy and over excited. Grandparents
do not sit quietly by the fire, but rather seem to gain their enjoyment by
criticising all the hard work that has gone into the day. The festive period is
often when tensions run over or painful memories come to the surface.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">By working with a team of writers these stories come
together in <i>Anamnesis 25.12. </i>On a
hospital ward at Christmas time we get a glimpse into each patient’s Christmas
past. Some of the memories are painful and sad whereas others show families
pulling together at difficult times. Using different writers for each scene has
allowed each individual story to have a unique feel to it, without disrupting
the unity of the production as a whole.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The format of the show is fresh, as is the content, offering
something enjoyably different to the usual theatrical fare at this time of
year. Presented in a semi-promenade style the audience’s attention is directed
to different playing areas as each patient invites us on a trip down memory
lane, guided by the wonderfully cast Louisa Lorey as the ward sister.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Unfortunately this Christmas feast is a little
overstuffed, all the to-ing and fro-ing becomes very predictable. With some
cuts this production could be a slick and engaging piece, in its current format
I often found myself losing interest in the main action and watching the busy
on-stage production team. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There is a good balance between comedy and sentimentality
throughout and the audience are immediately invited to get into the participatory
spirit by singing carols to the patients. Lynn Hunter, as always, gives her all
to the performance, becoming excitable 8 year old Holly. Whereas Sarah-Louise
Tyler convincingly plays her down-trodden mother who is trying to make the most
of Christmas despite her alcoholic husband’s best attempts to drink away any money
they had for presents. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Many of the scenes have this underlying tension or
sadness but his mood does not overwhelm the show. Overall it is rather
uplifting and certainly raises a smile. One of the final scenes, in which a
middle class daughter brings a homeless man to dinner, adds an element of farce
that -although a little outdated - does deliver the laughs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">An enjoyable show, that is entertainingly different.
Certainly not perfect... but then again Christmas never is.</span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">After the sell out run in Chapter Arts Centre <i>Anamnesis 25.12 </i>is now on tour:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The Lord Mayor's </span><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">Reception</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> Room,</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="background-color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The Guildhall, St. Helen's Cresent,</span></span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="background-color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Swansea SA1 4PE</span></span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="background-color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">29&30 December 7pm</span></span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="background-color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">31 December 1.30pm</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: black;">Pontardawe Arts Center,</span></span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: black;">Herbert Street,</span></span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: black;">Pntardawe SA8 4ED</span></span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: black;">3 January 1.30pm</span></span><br />
<br /></div>
Chelseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14070763796147405797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1107423050507532977.post-43839695296965104442014-11-29T19:41:00.001+00:002014-11-29T19:41:46.846+00:00A Winter Wonderland to Inspire Hope<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Preview: Blood on the Snow<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Presented by Caroline Sabin<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">At Four Elms<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">19<sup>th</sup>-23<sup>rd</sup> December
2014<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Caroline
Sabin returns to bring us another magical celebration of midwinter with her
latest creation <i>Blood on the Snow. <o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">In
2012 Sabin wowed audiences with her production <i>A Curious Zoo </i>in which she<i> </i>turned
her home into a festive wonderland filled with odd but fascinating characters. Similarly
<i>Blood on the Snow </i>will transport its
audience to a whole new world, where anything is possible.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcshEQ8zIfIR5suzgenSSPkuvBI_5MyuoRzbtH0JaQzKeJrmB1GnzghZBx4QBU-QaET6umwZ4z4dz6DyoqkT7ODsWVkz3beO6q_Eevoq_iQuW5HaJ1pY5AL4X6EbiOSkcF_9QDw6R7cv0/s1600/snow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcshEQ8zIfIR5suzgenSSPkuvBI_5MyuoRzbtH0JaQzKeJrmB1GnzghZBx4QBU-QaET6umwZ4z4dz6DyoqkT7ODsWVkz3beO6q_Eevoq_iQuW5HaJ1pY5AL4X6EbiOSkcF_9QDw6R7cv0/s1600/snow.jpg" height="384" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Caroline Sabin as one of the dryads</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">The
Four Elms building, usually home to NoFit State Circus, will be transformed
into an enchanted, snow-covered woodland for the upcoming original production<i>. </i>Featuring movement, text, song and aerial
acrobatics the show aims to rekindle the excitement and joy that Christmas
seems to have lost amid all the ‘Black Friday’ consumer madness.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Inspired
by music from Sabin’s childhood the score is complex and invigorating. Benjamin
Britten’s <i>A Ceremony of Carols </i>which
has pagan and Christian influences has acted as a starting point for the whole production.
Despite this the show is not based in religion, but in tradition and folklore. As
Sabin herself says, “the winter solstice actually marks the beginning of the
upward part of the year with the days getting longer. We need something in
midwinter to inspire hope”.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Devised
with an outstanding company the show promises to be technically beautiful and
entertaining. The mostly female cast is headed up by the wonderful Eddie Ladd
as leader of a group of dryads – tree nymphs – who will welcome the audience to
the woodland. They will sing, dance and even fly for our entertainment, each
with their own distinct and quirky character.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Rehearsals,
taking place at Chapter, hint at the bubbling excitement the production is
aiming for. Already the company have created sections of very varied moods –
from light, whimsical slapstick to darker, poetic intensity. The final
production will no-doubt be a beautifully crafted journey into the dark heart
of the forest through to the other side. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Unlike
the usual Christmas fare this show is aimed at adults, although there is
nothing included that would offend a younger audience. Sabin hopes that the
show will remind adults of how the festive season used to feel for them and
that they “can pass this excitement on to their children in turn.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Tickets
for the performances are available from <a href="http://www.chapter.org/blood-snow">Chapter</a> or <a href="https://uk.patronbase.com/_NoFitStateShows/Productions/BOTS/Performances">NoFit
State</a>. But be quick as all dates are selling quickly!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">£12/£10/£8<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">@Bloodonthesnows</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Chelseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14070763796147405797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1107423050507532977.post-15623892501233095902014-11-29T16:37:00.001+00:002014-11-29T16:55:56.654+00:00The Beginning of the Festive Season<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The Spirit of Christmas<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Hijinx Theatre Odyssey<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">WMC, Weston Studio<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">27-29<sup>th</sup> Oct 2014<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Odyssey’s <i>The Spirit
of Christmas</i> is perfectly named – a wonderful, festive treat about sharing
memories and spending time with those you love.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Hijinx are a professional theatre company that tour small
scale work throughout Europe. They are an inclusive company meaning they work
with people with and without learning disabilities. Odyssey is their community group
for adults who have a passion for performance. For me Odyssey’s Christmas performances
always marks the beginning of the festive season – they put a smile on my face
and get rid of all ‘bah humbug’ feelings.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="color: white;"> </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqj4VsG5j7or1oOd8gclaMhVDGEIlv6Osi712SOBkG8QqSW511a-F_0rdkiRE22FD4zLk2ISMYO6YJRrFs_cjX75IysCT3JlDHJJnHoJ3K66b7mhvUrEHENFx8thfAflrC_WjYcDTs8Rg/s1600/The+Spirit+of+Christmas+033+small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqj4VsG5j7or1oOd8gclaMhVDGEIlv6Osi712SOBkG8QqSW511a-F_0rdkiRE22FD4zLk2ISMYO6YJRrFs_cjX75IysCT3JlDHJJnHoJ3K66b7mhvUrEHENFx8thfAflrC_WjYcDTs8Rg/s1600/The+Spirit+of+Christmas+033+small.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Sharing memories</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Created by one of the Hijinx co-founders, Gaynor Lougher,
<i>The Spirit of Christmas, </i>follows
Megan as she searches for answers about her family history. No one ever talks
about Megan’s grandmother, Rita. Rita disappeared many years ago and no one has
heard from her since. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Megan is invited to a party organised by people who live
in the neighbourhood where Rita grew up. They have collected together an album
of photographs – each photograph represents a story from their own, or Rita’s,
life. Piece by piece the party put together an idea of the woman that Megan has
come to resemble.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Celebrating community and togetherness, this feel-good
production is an absolute pleasure to watch. As the group recreate scenes from
Rita’s past we really see the company’s sense of humour. There are a few mischievous
comedians in Odyssey and they certainly get the chance to shine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh5_QG_KFx8arfEbinSmLiyrh1KxiMOli_hfM7DOi4onAIQ9T6mbiSDIzp587tvQWa039JpwTk7xY-kTh_h4U_OCHJKFCz3pelUAEuYFDNwKXBCee8_bcsXfeODRtgE0aqLeYFn9bnzlY/s1600/The+Spirit+of+Christmas+075+small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh5_QG_KFx8arfEbinSmLiyrh1KxiMOli_hfM7DOi4onAIQ9T6mbiSDIzp587tvQWa039JpwTk7xY-kTh_h4U_OCHJKFCz3pelUAEuYFDNwKXBCee8_bcsXfeODRtgE0aqLeYFn9bnzlY/s1600/The+Spirit+of+Christmas+075+small.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">The hilarious nativity scene</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The company are joined onstage by music students from the
University of South Wales who provide beautiful accompaniment and become part
of the Odyssey team. It’s great to see such a mix of people working together to
create such an outstanding production. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Odyssey are the perfect example of inclusive theatre.
Their productions are always empowering for those involved and joyful for the
audience. Theatre is for everyone, regardless of ability and Hijinx work
tirelessly to make performance opportunities available to all. Long may they
continue!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Images by Simon Gough Photography</span><br />
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<br /></div>
Chelseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14070763796147405797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1107423050507532977.post-21366661205894656382014-11-28T12:55:00.000+00:002014-11-28T12:55:19.363+00:00An Open Letter to Artists Throughout Wales<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white;">Yesterday I attended and spoke at the Arts Freedom Wales
Symposium at Chapter Arts Centre. The central theme was ‘Is Wales enjoying its
right to artistic freedom of expression?’</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white;">The afternoon allowed various people to deliver 3 minute presentations
about issues allowing or inhibiting their right to artistic freedom of
expression. The topics covered were vast and important – too much to fully
cover in one afternoon. The opening speech was made by Meltem Arikan, a Turkish
artist living in exile here in Wales. With an outsider’s eye she was able to
make some very astute observations about the artistic scene here. Vitally she
pointed out our reluctance to offend anyone and our willingness to be offended,
both in the work we create and in our discussion of other’s work. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white;">In keeping with this theme I am going to exercise my right
to freedom of expression and discuss this event frankly. I left the symposium really
fired up – in part due to some great things I had heard and discussed, but
mostly in annoyance at some of the things happening.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white;">This is my personal response to the event as a young artist
living and working in South Wales. I’m sure that others in attendance had a
very different experience. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white;">That one afternoon perfectly demonstrated why people in Wales
(dare I say Cardiff) often don’t express themselves honestly and fearlessly. During
the break out discussion there were spurious claims being made against institutions
and individuals, there was suspicion of anyone new or different, anyone who
expressed themselves passionately was quietly mocked, there was bullying with various people ganging up on one individual and many were unable
to leave old allegiances or grievances at the door – allowing this to colour
their opinion in every discussion. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white;">I didn’t conduct myself as well as I would have liked – I was
so shocked by the attitudes of some that I got quite angry. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white;">In the final panel discussion of the day representatives of various
artistic institutions in Wales were pressed to give concrete answers to some of
the obstacles facing the freedom of expression in Wales. John McGrath of
National Theatre Wales quite rightly refused to do so, saying “there are no
quick fixes to this.” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white;">The fact these events are happening is a great thing. Even
if they can bring out the worst in some people, they show the passion for the
arts in Wales and the passion to defend our right to express ourselves how we
want. Let’s have more events like this and get even more people and opinions in
the room.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white;">Predictably, the young artists and the next generation were
pointed out as one of the various answers. Although I appreciate the belief and
support of those who expressed this opinion, I have to say we are not the
answer.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white;">At what point do I get to look at those younger than me and
pass the buck to them? At what point did those expressing these thoughts stop believing
in their own power to make change?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white;">As a young artist I have a lot of passion, anger and
determination – basically I’m still full of teenage angst that should be long
forgotten. Yes, I have relevant things to say to my generation but that doesn’t
make my voice more valid or powerful than others who have more experience than
me. Most importantly I am yet to gain much perspective on the world around me –
something that those older than me definitely do possess.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white;">So I’m willing to make a deal with anyone who believes the
young are the future:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white;">If you are willing to express yourself honestly and
passionately, being a role model for me, then I will work tirelessly WITH you
to be the change we want to see. We won’t always agree about everything but let’s
agree to be honest, passionate and fair. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white;">This offer may fall on deaf ears, but I’m young, naive and
optimistic – I don’t know any better. </span></div>
Chelseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14070763796147405797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1107423050507532977.post-68482202127531419632014-11-15T11:36:00.002+00:002014-11-15T11:37:50.430+00:00Anti-War Musical Play Marks Centenary<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Oh, What a Lovely War!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Everyman Theatre<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Chapter Arts Centre, Theatre<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">11<sup>th</sup>-15<sup>th</sup> November
2014<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As the nation marks the
centenary of the First World War, Everyman bring the anti-war, play-with-music <i>Oh, What a Lovely War!</i> to the stage at
Chapter Arts Centre.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<span style="color: white;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Oh,
What a Lovely War!</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> satirises those responsible for World War
One and offers a scathing view of the conflict from a soldier’s perspective. Alongside
witty scenes and upbeat musical numbers, the backdrop shows projections of
shocking statistics detailing those lost in each skirmish.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">For Everyman this is a bit
of a return to their roots, having been established in 1942 as the Unity
Theatre Group that focussed on political theatre. They stay faithful to Joan
Littlewood’s iconic Theatre Workshop production of 1963 with Pierrot costumes
that highlight the absurdity of war and the tragedy of the lives lost. The set
is simple, a number of flags hang from the ceiling, allowing the audience to
focus of the live action and projections.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This production is very
challenging for the cast who must sing, dance and act, taking on numerous roles
throughout the show. Although the scenes are sometimes hampered by dodgy
accents, the musical numbers are incredibly performed. Musical director Lindsey
Allen is onstage throughout providing musical accompaniment and support for the
strong voices of the cast.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The choreography by Richard
Thomas is ambitious and wonderfully executed. The whole cast prove they can
move in the large chorus numbers and there are some impressive solos. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">For the most part the
characterisation was strong, but the scenes were sometimes difficult to
establish due to the fragmented nature of the piece. The cast were also often unavoidably
blocking the projection screen meaning vital pieces of information were lost. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This is a timely production
and you can’t help but feel the sentiment is sadly too relevant for 2014. As we
continue to fight for reasons concealed by those in power it is a horrible
reminder that things have not really changed much since 1914 in terms of
conflict.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Everyman should be commended
for their dedication in bringing this challenging play to life with vibrant
energy and passion. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Tickets: £10<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">7.30pm with 2.30pm matinee
on Saturday<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Tickets available from Chapter Arts Centre 02920 304400</span></div>
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Chelseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14070763796147405797noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1107423050507532977.post-13199338512505347472014-11-12T18:05:00.000+00:002014-11-12T18:05:03.196+00:00Swansea's Newest Company Make an Impression<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">The Man<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Critical Ambition supported by GradCo.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">No Sign Wine Bar<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Tuesday 11<sup>th</sup> November 2014<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Just the mere mention of a self-assessment tax form is
enough to send any self-employed person into a state of dread. Trawling through
a year’s worth of receipts, trying to decide what can legitimately be claimed
as a business expense, is not anyone’s idea of fun. For Ben this challenge is
even more difficult as every one of his receipts evokes memories from the past
year; some wonderful, some heartbreaking.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCTUsMUEx-GhtBbgqzZcI5ZpnMNdVRN3ota58fmnl2MyPJ-HEBDzBnS6tdrkUxF1DNj2Q82wBxQpcgQ35JEQGkEp58vHH-kJncQJSLxNMRoB4XQSByf7wKaUNPmbaptmAnn0QEB_jyS5Q/s1600/The+man.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCTUsMUEx-GhtBbgqzZcI5ZpnMNdVRN3ota58fmnl2MyPJ-HEBDzBnS6tdrkUxF1DNj2Q82wBxQpcgQ35JEQGkEp58vHH-kJncQJSLxNMRoB4XQSByf7wKaUNPmbaptmAnn0QEB_jyS5Q/s320/The+man.jpg" width="226" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">New, young company Critical Ambition are making their
stage debut with James Graham’s unconventional play <i>The Man. </i>At every performance the structure of the show will be
completely different. Ben’s receipts are distributed randomly to the audience before
the show, they then pass them to the young entrepreneur in any order they see
fit throughout proceedings. This presents a real challenge to actor Tom Myles,
playing Ben, but he navigates the unpredictable changes of mood with honestly
and with real warmth.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">We learn that Ben is a twin, but as a child his twin was diagnosed
with an untreatable condition that makes extra bone grow in his tissue if he
ever injures himself. Fear of having the same condition has made Ben over cautious
and scared of living his life to the full. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">He is an optimistic worrier and feels the need to call
the Inland Revenue helpline multiple times to check that he is doing the right
thing. He soon strikes up a touching friendship with call centre worker Lisa
(Holly Carpenter) who patiently guides him through his self-assessment. Although
a sparky actor, it somehow didn’t feel right to physically represent Lisa
onstage, especially as she was positioned on a balcony above Ben throughout the
whole play. It added an element of theatricality in what is otherwise a very
honest and real-life feeling show. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">The play itself is masterfully constructed. Each
individual section gives the audiences clues to fit into the jigsaw puzzle of
the whole show. Slowly, facts are revealed that allow you to make sense of something
that was hinted at earlier. This production would be great to watch multiple times
to see how the changing order can change your perspective.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">For such an unpredictable show the young company handled
it well. In an unconventional performance space and with limited tech they put
on a slick performance. I feel the production will go from strength to strength
as the performers get more used to the natural rhythm of the piece and begin to
fully trust that the show will be a success no matter what order the sections
are presented in.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Critical Ambition have chosen a fantastic show, the
humour and genuine emotion make Ben so endearing it would be impossible not to
enjoy the performance. They certainly have clear potential to make an impact on
the theatrical scene of South Wales and I will look forward to their next
production.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The
Man </span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> continues at No Sign Wine Bar until 13<sup>th</sup>
November and will then go on tour.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Tour
dates:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">The
Gate Arts Centre, Cardiff<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">4<sup>th</sup>
Dec<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;"><a href="http://www.derricksmusic.co.uk/Tickets.html?artistevent=All+Artists%2FEvents&startdate=Any&enddate=Any&venue=NO+SIGN+WINE+BAR+SWANSEA">Book
tickets here.</a><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Exeter
Pheonix<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">8<sup>th</sup>-10<sup>th</sup>
Dec<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;"><a href="http://www.thegate.org.uk/event/the-man-by-james-graham/">Book tickets
here</a><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">The
Old Red Lion Theatre, Islington<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">15<sup>th</sup>
Dec<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.ticketweb.co.uk/event/149931"><span style="color: white;">Book tickets here</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Chelseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14070763796147405797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1107423050507532977.post-52392272299934944282014-11-11T14:58:00.001+00:002014-11-11T14:58:57.604+00:00Raw and Exposed - the story of Dylan Thomas's Wife<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Caitlin<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Chapter Arts Centre<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Thursday 30<sup>th</sup> Oct<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">With so many events discussing and dissecting the work
and life of Dylan Thomas you would be forgiven for having lost interest in the
great Welsh poet. But in amongst all the predictable revivals of his work there
have been some real hidden gems. One of these gems is <i>Caitlin</i>, a thrill-a-minute, dance theatre production exploring the
life of Thomas’s wife.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The audience sit in a circle, in the middle of an empty
hall, they are attending an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. Thomas’ battle with
alcohol has been well documented, but the struggle of his wife Caitlin is less
well known. It was 20 years after Dylan’s death that Caitlin attended her first
AA meeting. The show begins with her first confession “Hello, I’m Caitlin and
I’m an alcoholic” – from here we see Caitlin’s life laid bare, raw and exposed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Intense and exhausting, the choreography didn’t let up
for a moment. Eddie Ladd and Gwyn Emberton throw themselves, literally, into
the performance head first. The movement, directed by Deborah Light, really
captured the aggression and passion of the Thomas’ marriage, flipping between
tender game playing and brutal violence. The tightrope between love and hate is
thin and this couple fell from a great height many times.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4vk2nM1EIkckrlfHnaXHC3hrRWcEHl5UulFaiDueFUafkmX5M3ouIipmio613bUKWOljV3qNe3Jrf-G_WnEkH3ikhef7MGeC0SWNlKtWlo2kN7s0U9959yH2zPa0QMWC9rj7zj0erjzw/s1600/caitlin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4vk2nM1EIkckrlfHnaXHC3hrRWcEHl5UulFaiDueFUafkmX5M3ouIipmio613bUKWOljV3qNe3Jrf-G_WnEkH3ikhef7MGeC0SWNlKtWlo2kN7s0U9959yH2zPa0QMWC9rj7zj0erjzw/s400/caitlin.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Ladd and Emberton - photograph by Warren Orchard </span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Moments of speech punctuated the momentum. Eddie Ladd as
Caitlin was completely captivating every time she spoke, the audience hanging
on every word. The text could have been teased out a little more, to add more
detail and texture to the piece but perhaps it is a good thing to leave the
audience wanting more.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The accompanying score is the only grievance. Often the
heavy music felt intrusive and out of place. The real moments of genius where
when you could hear the physical exertion of the performers in the slam of
their bodies on the floor and in their ragged breath.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The few props were innovatively used - the spare chairs
in the circle becoming a straightjacket, a pram, a bed, a pedestal. Images from
Caitlin’s traumatic life were revealed to the audience only to be violently
thrown away again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">“My husband is a very famous poet, I was going to be a
very famous dancer,” Caitlin tells us, “I thought it was going to a truce
between his brains and my body”. Of course, in reality the battle between the
two never reached a truce despite their marriage lasting through numerous
infidelities on both sides. Vitally Caitlin never got to realise her dream of
becoming a dancer. For this one hour Eddie Ladd is able to live that terrifying
dream in Caitlin’s place. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Chelseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14070763796147405797noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1107423050507532977.post-23957157882032174572014-10-12T13:07:00.001+01:002014-10-12T13:07:17.969+01:00Dramatic Opening Of Sherman Cymru's New Season<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Romeo and Juliet<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Sherman Cymru, Theatre 1<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Tuesday 7<sup>th</sup> October<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">During the interval I heard one audience member say “It’s
like <i>Gavin and Stacey</i> meets <i>West Side Story</i>”. I couldn’t think of a
better way to summarize Rachael O’Riordan’s take on Shakespeare’s <i>Romeo and Juliet</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfEhfW4cUFV6Vq2MeXafir0Z9unAL1jIEMRBej8aeBHlx8GBFY17AUDM21B44lzxb6hkU_iF6koIW3bY2wai62Iv8Y3A2MQY_sQhAUrclnX5peJkmsBTQJd5ATuUNkcoFipqbCDfDwP1s/s1600/Romeo+and+Juliet+at+The+Sherman+Cymru.+Photograph+by+Mark+Douet++C31B7222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfEhfW4cUFV6Vq2MeXafir0Z9unAL1jIEMRBej8aeBHlx8GBFY17AUDM21B44lzxb6hkU_iF6koIW3bY2wai62Iv8Y3A2MQY_sQhAUrclnX5peJkmsBTQJd5ATuUNkcoFipqbCDfDwP1s/s1600/Romeo+and+Juliet+at+The+Sherman+Cymru.+Photograph+by+Mark+Douet++C31B7222.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">The brilliant Sara Lloyd-Gregory as trophy wife Lady Capulet</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">As the first show of the new season, O’Riordan’s first as
artistic director of the Sherman, there is a lot riding on this production.
Sherman Cymru has a big drive at the moment to draw in new audiences and
reinvigorate regular viewers and this is probably why Shakespeare’s most famous
romantic tragedy was selected for production.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">The production is modern but timeless, with an inner-city
set, costumes from the last few decades and accents from around the UK. The
modern music is trying a little too hard to appeal to younger audiences, as are
all the skinny jeans. But still there is something really appealing about the
modern character portrayals and dark aesthetic.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBiwialGiluDqtB45nPvswHRNju2FPP3_JOII8k2GaGA7TevWwuA9-vde4BfB8zbTGQn2wyDgz3MK4vnhIaD9vgXc-vm9bw0B-t1zDYh1_kBKgQYcwR-r9lnx1O0tDnYrU8sUpc8lFn2I/s1600/Romeo+and+Juliet+at+The+Sherman+Cymru.+Photograph+by+Mark+Douet++I80A1305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBiwialGiluDqtB45nPvswHRNju2FPP3_JOII8k2GaGA7TevWwuA9-vde4BfB8zbTGQn2wyDgz3MK4vnhIaD9vgXc-vm9bw0B-t1zDYh1_kBKgQYcwR-r9lnx1O0tDnYrU8sUpc8lFn2I/s1600/Romeo+and+Juliet+at+The+Sherman+Cymru.+Photograph+by+Mark+Douet++I80A1305.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Street fight - Benvolio (Linden Walcott-Burton) and Tybalt (Luke Elliot Bridgeman)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">The set, although physically impressive is a bit
restrictive, meaning large sections of the stage are left completely unused. It
far too unsubtly includes a poster of Baz Luhrman’s beautiful film <i>Romeo+Juliet, </i>the only poster still
intact on the wall. Although it’s being picky, little details like this are
distracting and draw attention away from the performances. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">There are moments of brilliance. The set movement pieces
at the Capulet’s party are really interesting to watch and add a fascinating
disjointed feel to proceedings. The final scenes in the beautifully designed
crypt (in the orchestra pit) are distressing and emotional, made more powerful
by the ever present bloody shroud of Tybalt.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI48c7v5P26URfY0Iql8_SXFtaLYM8MG9RgN1QWuF-LRk7osvCDpZfaMp41rN2RZBWgRHk3vZQtQHu0cXqCxRQ6t-oj4evV0wnWHM0RI4xaCY-CAgvZDFBx0gplbJhi_DBqnJa9xV2iJk/s1600/romeoandjuliet+cover+image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI48c7v5P26URfY0Iql8_SXFtaLYM8MG9RgN1QWuF-LRk7osvCDpZfaMp41rN2RZBWgRHk3vZQtQHu0cXqCxRQ6t-oj4evV0wnWHM0RI4xaCY-CAgvZDFBx0gplbJhi_DBqnJa9xV2iJk/s1600/romeoandjuliet+cover+image.jpg" height="278" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Chris Gordon and sophie Melville as the Star-Crossed Lovers</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">The two young leads are always difficult roles play. Chris Gordon making his stage debut as Romeo
is a real find. His transformation from the moody youth of early scenes, to a
joyfully love-struck young man is truly engaging and his final scenes are
heartbreaking and honest. Sophie Melville also breathes new life into the 13
year old bride, Juliet. With her peroxide pixie cut and boyish style she is
completely relatable to a modern audience. Her valleys lilt, is at first, whiny,
making her seem brattish and quite frankly annoying. But in the second act her
words have more clarity than any other cast member meaning her monologues are
intelligently delivered and have real power.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">With a double suicide and four other bodies piling up
it’s not the lightest of plays but much needed comedic relief came in the form
of the Capulet’s staff. Tony Flynn was a one man tour de force successfully
multi-roling the opening narrator, the Prince, the apothecary and the
wonderfully camp manservant Peter. Anita Reynolds portrayal of Juliet’s Nurse got
most of the giggles as she strutted around the stage in a pink velour track
suit and dramatic hair piece, uttering the Shakespearean words in a heavy
Jamaican accent. Sadly this humour came to overshadow some of the more intense
scenes, particularly annoying when entrances or exits upstaged the real action.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRWgKalefK4mMJm9c9VSdol8jOqrCwksQZoqu-hzDSmvBobkp0lWpR3eU6zkG6KmX4reL8CPquXcrlr5R-XIJpd4Zb4knMtGKWD6EQ6S8e7RbFoMaKRXdoD6VAGaXh-wK3exhuEXimuuw/s1600/Romeo+and+Juliet+at+The+Sherman+Cymru.+Photograph+by+Mark+Douet++C31B1125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRWgKalefK4mMJm9c9VSdol8jOqrCwksQZoqu-hzDSmvBobkp0lWpR3eU6zkG6KmX4reL8CPquXcrlr5R-XIJpd4Zb4knMtGKWD6EQ6S8e7RbFoMaKRXdoD6VAGaXh-wK3exhuEXimuuw/s1600/Romeo+and+Juliet+at+The+Sherman+Cymru.+Photograph+by+Mark+Douet++C31B1125.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Tony Flynn as the shell suit clad apothecary</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Completely enjoyable but there’s something missing,
there’s no fire in the passion between the young lovers, there’s no punch in
the hatred between the two clans. Every actor was engaging but there seemed to
be a lack of unity in the cast as a whole.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">An interesting and relevant take on a classic, worth
seeing especially if you are new to Shakespeare and want an accessible way to experience
the words of the Bard. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">The show continues until Saturday 18<sup>th</sup>
October. To book tickets or for more info <a href="http://www.shermancymru.co.uk/performance/literature/romeo-juliet/">click
here.</a></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Chelseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14070763796147405797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1107423050507532977.post-82724756680444489242014-10-05T17:27:00.000+01:002014-10-06T18:58:36.468+01:00First Time Theatre-Goers at Sherman Cymru<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sherman 5 Night<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Romeo and Juliet<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sherman Cymru, Theatre 1<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Friday 3<sup>rd</sup> October<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As Sherman Cymru launch their new season, the first of
new Artistic Director Rachael O’Riordan, it was great to see the theatre full
of people. Only this wasn’t the usual theatre-going crowd. Instead Sherman
Cymru opened their doors to local people who had never seen a production on
their stages.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The new audience was invited as part of the Sherman 5
scheme. Sherman 5 is headed up by Guy O’Donnell, supported by the Paul Hamlyn
Foundation, and is designed to reach out to people in the locality who have
never been to the theatre before. With the focus on disadvantaged groups, Sherman 5
will initially be focussing on the Communities First areas in Cardiff, which
according to the Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation are in the top 10% of
social deprivation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The scheme offers discounted tickets on special Sherman 5
nights and even offers a discount on the bar and theatre snacks.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As the first Sherman 5 event of the season a special
preview performance of <i>Romeo and Juliet</i>
was staged, allowing the first-timers to see the show before anyone else. Even
the press have to wait a few more days! (I’ll be publishing a review of the
press night next week)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">On arrival there was a drinks reception and each audience
member was given a pack. This special pack contained the programme for the show,
a welcome to Sherman 5, a membership card and a sheet of frequently asked questions
about attending the theatre. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">During the show itself it was great to feel the excitement
of the audience. There were a few shout-outs and more miovement in and out of
the auditorium than usual but everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. The
applause at the end showed true appreciation for the production.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">After the main event there was cake and live music. The
foyer became a vibrant social space with people chatting about the show and planning
what to see next. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Going to the theatre as often as I do it has become a
common-place thing for me. Yet I couldn’t help but be swept up with the feeling
of a special occasion. It was great to be reminded how exciting it can be to go
and see a show, just to be in a theatre.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sherman Cymru did a great job of making the space
accessible to all, the staff (as always) were really helpful and approachable,
removing any idea that the theatre isn’t for everyone. I really hope this
scheme will bring more people into the Sherman and will encourage these audiences
to see the great range of theatrical work being produced in Cardiff. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">To find out more about Sherman 5 <a href="http://www.shermancymru.co.uk/sherman5/">click here.</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">And if you’d like to know more about this production of <i>Romeo and Juliet</i> <a href="http://www.shermancymru.co.uk/performance/literature/romeo-juliet/">follow
this link.</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Chelseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14070763796147405797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1107423050507532977.post-79252126782355861142014-09-29T14:21:00.000+01:002014-09-29T14:21:35.153+01:00Inclusive Dance Journey<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Stuck in the Mud<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">GDance and Ballet Cymru<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">With Hijinx Theatre Academy and Sherman
Cymru INC Youth Theatre<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Wales Millennium Centre<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">28<sup>th</sup> September 2014<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">What
a joy! Dance is often seen as an exclusive and elitist art form but <i>Stuck in the Mud </i>proves that dance and
movement is for everyone, regardless of ability or physical restrictions.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">The
promenade dance journey started outside the foyer of the Wales Millennium
Centre and toured through the ground floor of the building, including the
outdoor spaces, concluding in a full cast spectacle on the Glanfa stage. Inspired
by the joy of children’s games the piece celebrated each performer’s unique body
and allowed them to, sometimes literally, throw off the labels they can
sometimes feel restricted by.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Internationally
renowned disabled choreographer Marc Brew directed the piece, which was also
showcased in Swansea and Llandudno earlier in the year. The fully accessible
promenade piece had to be adapted to each unique location and featured the
talents of different local community groups in each city.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">The incredibly
talented professional dancers, from Ballet Cymru and GDance, proved that
physical disability should not limit anyone. Proving their many talents the group
performed beautiful ballet alongside more modern techniques. Some of the most
impressive sections of the journey were performed by disabled dancer Alice
Sheppard in her wheelchair. Her physical strength and commanding stage presence
are awe inspiring and she is an absolute pleasure to watch – as are the whole
company.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">In
Cardiff the professional dancers were joined by community groups from Hijinx
Theatre Academy and the Sherman Cymru INC Youth Theatre. Hijinx provide the
only professional actor training for performers with learning disabilities in
Wales and INC is Sherman Cymru’s new inclusive youth group. The sections performed
by the community groups were absolutely charming and showcased the group’s
sense of humour and fun, whilst proving that they are very talented performers
worthy of such an impressive location and a large crowd. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">The
whole performance was enhanced by an exciting original score composed by Jack
White that featured live French Horn accompaniment from Tom Taffinder. The
music helped to link each separate part of the performance creating one big
mood of celebration and I for one was smiling from start to finish.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">It
was clear that the free performance attracted a crowd both of dance lovers and
those who have never seen dance before. As the piece moved from location to
location it was great to see people who had accidentally experienced one
section join the crowd to see the rest of the piece. Hopefully it has inspired
more people to watch dance or even take it up themselves. As novelist Vicki
Baum said ‘there are shortcuts to happiness, and dancing is one of them.’<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">For
more on GDance and their inclusive practice <a href="http://www.gdance.co.uk/">click
here.</a><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Ballet
Cymru’s website is currently under construction but for more contact details
follow <a href="http://www.welshballet.co.uk/">this link.</a><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">And
here are links to the wonderful work of <a href="http://www.hijinx.org.uk/">Hijinx</a>
and <a href="http://www.shermancymru.co.uk/incyoutheatre/">INC youth theatre.</a></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Chelseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14070763796147405797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1107423050507532977.post-43464923627155833062014-09-28T18:18:00.001+01:002014-09-28T18:18:17.236+01:00Cardiff's Newest Company - On in 5<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;"><b>Me
and My Friend<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;"><b>On
in 5 Productions<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;"><b>Llanover
Hall Arts Centre<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;"><b>26<sup>th</sup>
September 2014</b><u><o:p></o:p></u></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">On in 5 are a brand new theatre company set up by actor
and producer, Philippa Burt. The company aims to bring shows that people have
not heard of or seen before to the stage, allowing audiences to be surprised by
works they don’t already know the ending of.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Their first outing is Gillian Plowman’s <i>Me and My Friend</i>, a tragicomic farce
about four people who have recently spent some time in a psychiatric hospital and
are now trying to live ‘normal’ lives. The men, Oz and Bunny, live downstairs,
whilst the girls, Robin and Julia, live in the flat above. The flats are
council owned but this seems to be the only support the two couples get. They
appear to have been abandoned by the people who previously cared for them and
none of them have any family to oversee their wellbeing.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Very much a situation comedy, there are moments of humour
such as the pretend interview between Oz and Bunny, in which Oz plays the role
of a bicycle shop owner who sees fit to interrogate Bunny for the role of a
sales assistant. This idea of role play is continued throughout the piece and
it is often difficult to discern whether we are seeing flashbacks, imaginings
or real exchanges between the characters. This adds an interesting element of
disorientation that causes us to question the reality the characters believe
in.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">The production is admirably raising money for mental
health charity Mind. Sadly the show itself, having been premiered in 1990,
expresses some very out of date and at times insensitive attitudes towards
those with mental health diagnoses. The characters are all stereotypes and this
encourages melodramatic performances at the critical moments that are unbelievable
and forced. Although it is clearly a well constructed farce it does little to encourage
conversation about the often taboo subject of mental health.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Looking towards the future On in 5 hope to produce 2 to 3
shows a year, each one supporting a local charity. Hopefully future shows will
be a little better thought out and will act to bring more awareness and
understanding to the issues their productions cover. It will be interesting to
see what play they unearth next.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Me
and My Friend </span></span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">will continue at The Gate, 2nd-4th<sup> </sup>October
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Chelseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14070763796147405797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1107423050507532977.post-27627338200264375592014-09-25T15:11:00.000+01:002014-09-25T15:11:20.397+01:00Potty Mouthed Poetics<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Crazy
Gary’s Mobile Disco<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Waking
Exploits<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Chapter
Arts Centre, Theatre<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">23<sup>rd</sup>
September 2014<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Waking Exploits revival of Gary Owen’s <i>Crazy Gary’s Mobile Disco </i>is proof that
all you need for captivating theatre is a great script and committed
performances. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Bleak life in a typical Welsh town is examined through
three extended monologues delivered by the town’s distressed male inhabitants.
Three men with completely different personalities give us a glimpse into their
personal struggles with masculinity and the power exerted by various unseen
women over their small-town lives. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Jordan Bernarde's complex performance as Gary</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">‘Crazy’ Gary (Jordan Bernarde) runs the local disco on a
Thursday night, or at least he used to, before some d**khead in a red bow tie
took over with his “kare-f**cking-oke”. Gary is the shaven-headed bully, who
knows how to charm us..... and the ladies. With his potty mouthed poetics Gary
fools everyone into thinking he is the town tough-man, but there’s more to the
thug when he spots the perfect woman at a house party. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Perhaps the most tragic of the trio is wannabe cabaret
singer Matthew D. Melody (Gwydion Rhys) who believes he can fix other people’s
ailing marriages by putting a little bit of his heart into the classic love
songs he performs. Clearly damaged, his frequent mentions of the doctor leave
us to wonder why such a gentle, religious soul has sudden outbursts of violence
and why he always stutters on the word ‘mother’.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Left to tie the three narratives together is downtrodden
Russell (Sion Pritchard). Every day he threatens to leave the small town
behind, but somehow his dominating girlfriend always holds him back with a
combination of threats, abuse and sexual allure. Always the underdog Russell
struggles with the ties that hold him to his hometown. How far can a man like
him be pushed before he breaks?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Sion Pritchard as the understated Russell</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">The power the three actors held over the audience was
astounding, each new story felt as though it was being told solely for my
benefit, not for the room at large. The performers really can’t be praised
enough. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Sadly for me the design distracted from the intensive
eye-contact and soul baring. The film projected on to large mirror-like shards
hanging from the ceiling felt too distanced from the actors to be absorbed as
part of the same stage image. Often the content of the footage heavy-handedly
underlined common threads in the stories, taking the enjoyable task of making
their own connections away from the audience. Perhaps other venues will suit
this layout more, but for the Studio theatre at Chapter I wanted less mess,
less smoke and more focus on the actors.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBoDMY_t3Tgv4Ce_RdVDCme3Ue7y3LP3EWzis6E987U5ahfMbNZUb06IPvDAjcL_wIxRTqEjjSUdGEhwcmO2HUtHXvdpFXcOPEEt4L_Ec8oC3_9n3rcYFMPz1aNDgVqrpV_Pyztq3qVhg/s1600/034-Crazy-Gary%C2%A9FarrowsCreative.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBoDMY_t3Tgv4Ce_RdVDCme3Ue7y3LP3EWzis6E987U5ahfMbNZUb06IPvDAjcL_wIxRTqEjjSUdGEhwcmO2HUtHXvdpFXcOPEEt4L_Ec8oC3_9n3rcYFMPz1aNDgVqrpV_Pyztq3qVhg/s1600/034-Crazy-Gary%C2%A9FarrowsCreative.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Gwydion Rhys praying as Matthew with projections above</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">t’s an absolute joy to see such a successful Welsh play
return to the place it was first performed 13 years later. Now a whole new
audience can experience how haunting and effective such a simple premise can
be. Waking Exploits are doing an incredible job of bringing the best in new British
writing to the stages of Wales – long may they continue!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Photographs thanks to Farrows Creative<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">For more on the show or Waking Exploits please visit: <a href="http://www.wakingexploits.co.uk/">www.wakingexploits.co.uk</a><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">The show continues at Chapter until Sat 27<sup>th</sup> September
and then tours around Wales.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span class="color11"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; padding: 0cm;">17 - 27 September</span></span><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; padding: 0cm;"><br />
<u><a dataquery="#38g" href="http://www.chapter.org/crazy-gary%E2%80%99s-mobile-disco" style="background-position: 0px 0px; cursor: pointer; outline: 0px;" target="_blank"><span style="background-position-x: 0px; background-position-y: 0px; outline: 0px;"><span class="color3"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-position-x: 0px; background-position-y: 0px; outline: 0px;">Chapter</span></span></span></span></a></u></span><span style="background-position-x: 0px; background-position-y: 0px; outline: 0px;"><span class="color3"> </span></span><span style="background-position-x: 0px; background-position-y: 0px; outline: 0px;"><span class="color11">/ 029 2030 4400</span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span class="color11"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; padding: 0cm;">01 October</span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-position-x: 0px; background-position-y: 0px; outline: 0px;"><span style="background-position-x: 0px; background-position-y: 0px; outline: 0px;"><u><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; padding: 0cm;"><a dataquery="#11g6" href="http://www.ticketsource.co.uk/tsd" style="background-position: 0px 0px; cursor: pointer; outline: 0px;" target="_blank"><span class="color3"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-position-x: 0px; background-position-y: 0px; outline: 0px;">Halliwell Theatre</span></span></span></a></span></u></span><span style="background-position-x: 0px; background-position-y: 0px; outline: 0px;"><span class="color3"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; padding: 0cm;"> </span></span><span style="background-position-x: 0px; background-position-y: 0px; outline: 0px;"></span><span class="color11"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; padding: 0cm;">/ 01267 676 669</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span class="color11"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; padding: 0cm;">03 October</span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-position-x: 0px; background-position-y: 0px; outline: 0px;"><span style="background-position-x: 0px; background-position-y: 0px; outline: 0px;"><u><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; padding: 0cm;"><a dataquery="#1gft" href="http://www.aberystwythartscentre.co.uk/theatre/crazy-gary%E2%80%99s-mobile-disco" style="background-position: 0px 0px; cursor: pointer; outline: 0px;" target="_blank"><span class="color3"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-position-x: 0px; background-position-y: 0px; outline: 0px;">Aberystwyth Arts Centre</span></span></span></a></span></u></span><span style="background-position-x: 0px; background-position-y: 0px; outline: 0px;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; padding: 0cm;"> </span></span><span class="color11"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; padding: 0cm;">/ 01970 623 232</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span class="color11"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; padding: 0cm;">07 October</span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-position-x: 0px; background-position-y: 0px; outline: 0px;"><span style="background-position-x: 0px; background-position-y: 0px; outline: 0px;"><u><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; padding: 0cm;"><a dataquery="#k4r" href="http://neuaddogwen.com/" style="background-position: 0px 0px; cursor: pointer; outline: 0px;" target="_blank"><span class="color3"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-position-x: 0px; background-position-y: 0px; outline: 0px;">Neuadd Ogwen, Bethesda</span></span></span></a></span></u></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span class="color11"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; padding: 0cm;">09 October</span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-position-x: 0px; background-position-y: 0px; outline: 0px;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="background-position-x: 0px; background-position-y: 0px; outline: 0px;"><u><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; padding: 0cm;"><a dataquery="#1iiw" href="http://www.taliesinartscentre.co.uk/" style="background-position: 0px 0px; cursor: pointer; outline: 0px;" target="_blank"><span class="color3"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-position-x: 0px; background-position-y: 0px; outline: 0px;">Taliesin Arts Centre</span></span></span></a></span></u></span><span style="background-position-x: 0px; background-position-y: 0px; outline: 0px;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; padding: 0cm;"> </span></span><span class="color11"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; padding: 0cm;">/ 01792 602 060</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Chelseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14070763796147405797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1107423050507532977.post-37113344969949717342014-09-01T18:21:00.002+01:002014-09-02T13:27:56.106+01:00Bold New Take on a Classic<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Romeo and Juliet Mash Up<br />Sherman Cymru, Theatre 2<br />Sherman 5<br />Saturday 30th Sept 2013</u></span><br /><br /><br />We are constantly being told that Shakespeare, lauded as the best writer of all time, is still relevant to us in this modern age. When staged with traditional costume and language it can sometimes be hard to decipher this relevance for those who are new to the plays. This original new response to Shakespeare’s words showed exactly why the tale of the star-crossed lovers and their warring families still has a place on our stages in 2013.<br /><br />Exploring various stage techniques such as film, song and choral work this mash up version of Romeo and Juliet was created and performed by members of the Oasis drama group. Oasis Cardiff aims to help Refugees and Asylum Seekers to integrate into the community of Cardiff by offering workshops in everything from cookery, to bicycle maintenance, to language skills.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvskEYlKhkrSGNLxwTSodOx3n1d1Jaj8e6qpO5zIRDmIBqvI2n0-ks096LkrEYs92cARsyr15eKiWAiDAla_m9jUTIILuyyIWck5Qta4pSD-j0-BTRJfuiQrPWW0RAnMbx3GkX6mZ_Feo/s1600/R&J2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvskEYlKhkrSGNLxwTSodOx3n1d1Jaj8e6qpO5zIRDmIBqvI2n0-ks096LkrEYs92cARsyr15eKiWAiDAla_m9jUTIILuyyIWck5Qta4pSD-j0-BTRJfuiQrPWW0RAnMbx3GkX6mZ_Feo/s1600/R&J2.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oasis in rehearsal</td></tr>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The mash up project was initiated to provide a response to Sherman Cymru’s upcoming production of Romeo and Juliet, directed by Rachael O’Riordan. This is the first of many exciting projects co-ordinated by Sherman Cymru’s Sherman 5 project, which is supported by the Paul Hamlyn Foundation. Guy O’Donnell from Sherman 5 has been working with Adamsdown Arts Association (A3) to reach out to groups in the STAR Communities First cluster (Splott, Tremorfa, Adamsdown, Roath) and this is how Oasis got involved with the production.</span></div>
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />Theatre director and performer Angharad Evans has been working with the drama group at Oasis for nearly a year, often having to overcome huge language barriers to deliver her workshops. Her cast for this production was made up of individuals from all over the world, many of whom have faced great hardship and struggle both in their native countries and here in Wales. With different faces turning up to sessions each week it was a challenge to create a coherent and meaningful piece.<br /><br />With just a week in the theatre space, time was short to turn the ideas explored in workshops into a performance open to the public. What resulted was an exciting and surprisingly emotional piece that spanned many cultures and languages whilst still being accessible to all. <br /><br />A definite highlight of the production was the music. An almost constant accompaniment on guitar added so much emotion to the movement sections and added a sense of natural flow to the separate elements of the piece. The vocal talent in the group was stunning, showcasing traditional songs and lyrics they had penned themselves the group had some very enviable voices. Considering these are members of the public, most with no performing experience at all, they held the audiences’ gaze and commanded our attention.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4wey5Fw83Aqce-IXsxKEis5zsr8-Gx3UUz0w74gmIQDyGNwvmcBX4isSbB-pb91cMmCiH65T1Ub-X5IXStmWCiyk551FKjn9dtoeXnhpokLkRL36n977C_oHCXhHJLbR-y2UJIYsahCY/s1600/sq3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4wey5Fw83Aqce-IXsxKEis5zsr8-Gx3UUz0w74gmIQDyGNwvmcBX4isSbB-pb91cMmCiH65T1Ub-X5IXStmWCiyk551FKjn9dtoeXnhpokLkRL36n977C_oHCXhHJLbR-y2UJIYsahCY/s1600/sq3.jpg" height="320" width="319" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful masks added to the drama</td></tr>
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One performer really stood out when she came forward from the group and delivered a heartfelt speech about the barriers to love in her homeland of Nigeria. If someone is descended from a slave they are seen as not worthy and are often not allowed to marry those from other backgrounds. This lady fell in love with a man descended from slaves and to be together they had to run away. Their love was more powerful than the outdated laws imposed by their elders. Here the link to the source text was painfully clear, even now many people are restricted by class, background and even colour as to who they can chose to spend their life with. Some don’t even have a choice.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: white;">Filmmaker Paul Whitaker also worked with the group to create a stunning video element to compliment the piece. Beautiful scenery from around Cardiff played as recordings of the group members explained what love meant to them. Often the narration would tell of the pain of love, the barriers to love and most importantly the power of love. These disembodied voices really illustrated the hardship that comes when you leave your home for somewhere new. This interesting piece simultaneously explored the themes of Romeo and Juliet whilst highlighting the struggles and the talent of the refugee and asylum seeker communities here in the capital.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: white;">I really hope Sherman 5 and A3 will continue to bring such worthwhile productions to ours stages whilst helping new audiences access the arts. The group will continue to work on this piece throughout the coming weeks and will be returning to Sherman Cymru, but this time on the huge stage of Theatre 1, to deliver a performance of their mash up before the final performance of Sherman Cymru's Romeo & Juliet on Saturday 18th October.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: white;">Thanks to Paddy Faulkner for the beautiful photographs.<br /><br />To find out more about Romeo & Juliet Mash up follow <a href="https://twitter.com/ShermanCymru">@shermancymru</a> and <a href="http://twitter.com/A3_Arts">@A3_Arts</a> #rnjmashup.<br /><br />And check out Adamsdown Arts Association for the latest blog <a href="http://www.a3arts.co.uk/">www.a3arts.co.uk</a><br /><br />For more on the work Oasis do in the community: <a href="http://oasiscardiff.org/">click here.</a><br /> <br />To find out about Sherman Cymru’s Romeo & Juliet <a href="http://www.shermancymru.co.uk/performance/literature/romeo-juliet/">follow this link.</a></span></span><br />
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<br />Chelseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14070763796147405797noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1107423050507532977.post-36983849452290172762014-06-26T17:11:00.004+01:002014-06-26T17:12:29.826+01:00International Dark Comedy Comes to Cardiff<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Preview: Roberto Zucco<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">August 012<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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Arts Centre, Stwdio<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">9-19<sup>th</sup>
July, 2014<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Cardiff
based theatre company August 012 are committed to introducing Welsh audiences
to the best international playwrights. Their debut production, <i>Caligula</i>, was highly critically
acclaimed, being nominated for Best Production at the Theatre Critics’ of Wales
Awards earlier this year. This summer they are presenting French writer and
director Bernard-Marie Koltés’ final play; <i>Roberto
Zucco. </i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Based
on true events, the dark play recounts the criminal antics of Italian serial
killer Roberto Succo. The real Succo terrorised Europe in the 1980s between
stints in prison, often breaking free from incarceration to commit even more
terrible offences.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Director
Mathilde López is presenting the scandalous play in the traverse style – with
audience on two sides, creating a corridor in which the actors perform. This
intimate staging allows the characters to really connect with the audience
which will leave you questioning where your sympathies lie. Is Roberto a brutal
murderer and kidnapper? Or is he a misunderstood and poetic young man whose
life could have been different had those around him reacted differently?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Despite
the sinister subject matter the play is hugely comedic, flipping between
earnest monologues and madcap, slapstick set pieces. The contrast between Adam
Redmore’s quiet, contemplative Zucco and Bethan Mai’s hysterical aging
nymphomaniac will certainly bring a smile to your face.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">The
four strong cast multi-role throughout the show, often having to present large
crowd scenes, resulting in hilarious audience participation (you have been
warned!). Joanna Simpkins and John Norton form a zany double act as the police
force hunting down Zucco, they may require your help so be prepared.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">And
if it didn’t sound bonkers enough already there will also be a live choir and
electric guitar adding musical accompaniment (and more) throughout. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;"> Director Mathilde sums it up pretty well in
her description of the show as ‘a cheap 1980’s version of the ten commandments
in a brothel’.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span lang="EN-US" style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; padding: 0cm;">9 - 19 July, 7.30pm</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span lang="EN-US" style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; padding: 0cm;">Chapter Stiwdio, Cardiff</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><a href="http://www.chapter.org/" target="_blank"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; padding: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">www.chapter.org</span></b></a><span lang="EN-US" style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; padding: 0cm;"> /
02920 304400</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Chelseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14070763796147405797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1107423050507532977.post-48105903289240333382014-06-25T16:52:00.001+01:002014-06-25T16:52:42.432+01:00@TORtheatre week 3 update<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;"><b>The Other Room – Weekly Update</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Over the last two weeks I’ve been sharing some exciting
news about Cardiff’s very first pub theatre – but what exactly is a pub
theatre?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Well in this case The Other Room will become permanent
residents in ‘the other room’ of one of Cardiff’s best pubs (the location is
still a secret, sorry!). The theatre and pub, although separated by a
soundproofed wall, will be part of the same building and will work together to
provide a great night out in the capital city.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">You can enjoy a pint whilst watching the very best in
modern drama or see a play when you’re out for a casual drink with your mates.
You could do one then the other without having to go outside. You could just
enjoy one of the two options available, pub OR theatre. But I think the two go
together pretty well. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The
Finborough (</span><a href="http://www.finboroughtheatre.co.uk/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">www.finboroughtheatre.co.uk</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Throughout England there are plenty of venues with the
same model, but until The Other Room came along there were none at all in
Wales. Artistic director of The Other Room, Kate Wasserberg, was the associate
director of the Finborough, London’s leading Off West End theatre. It also just
so happens to be a pub theatre with an international reputation, so Kate
certainly knows what she is doing. To add to Kate’s expertise the artistic
directors of the Finborough and the The Gate (another pub theatre in London)
will be acting as mentors to The Other Room, offering their vast knowledge and
experience.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Another great example is the Bike Shed theatre in Exeter.
Since it opened in 2010 it has become a multi- award-winning venue. It is
slightly bigger than The Other Room with a 60 seat subterranean auditorium and
instead of a pub they are part of a vintage cocktail tavern. The Guardian even
credits the Bike Shed with ‘<i>keeping
theatre alive in Exeter’.</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">The Bike Shed (photo from: </span><a href="http://www.bikeshedtheatre.co.uk/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">www.bikeshedtheatre.co.uk</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: white;">Apart from their relationships
with great drinking spots these theatres also have something else in common –
their commitment to exciting, contemporary and thought-provoking drama. The
small size of the pub theatres means they can often take artistic risks that
larger venues cannot support, meaning they are always pushing the boundaries of
what is possible and are offering a unique experience every time the audience
comes through the doors. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Simon Tait of <i>The Stage </i>believes: </span><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">‘These little theatres in London and
around the country are the lifeblood of who we are, our drama for which we are
world leaders.’ </span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Surely you must be excited by the potential
that The Other Room is grasping with both hands to bring a whole new experience
to the arts scene of Cardiff. Personally, I can’t wait!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: white;">Make sure you catch my update
next week, as I’ll be able to tell you the big secret – where The Other Room
is!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">In the mean-time head over to: <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1596034339/the-other-room-cardiffs-first-pub-theatre">the
Kickstarter campaign</a></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> to see what the funds raised will be used
for (and some funny videos of the team)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/otherroomtheatre?fref=ts"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Facebook</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> to
‘like’ The Other Room <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><a href="http://www.twitter.com/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Twitter</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> to
follow @TORtheatre for updates about the theatre<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><a href="http://hypercriticreviews.blogspot.co.uk/2014/06/cardiffs-first-pub-theatre.html"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Here</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> or </span><a href="http://hypercriticreviews.blogspot.co.uk/2014/06/tortheatre-week-2.html"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">here</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;"> to
see my previous weekly updates.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Chelseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14070763796147405797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1107423050507532977.post-53659386843218825272014-06-19T19:01:00.000+01:002014-06-25T16:47:36.693+01:00@TORtheatre week 2<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Weekly
Update: The Other Room Theatre<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I know you’re all curious, so here’s some more info on
Cardiff’s very first pub theatre: The Other Room.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Although the venue is still top secret, I can share some
details about the space. The Other Room is going to be built inside an already
existing pub in the city centre, one you’ve probably visited once or twice. Turning
part of a vibrant and busy pub into a top class performance venue isn’t going
to be easy but the conversion allows the team to custom build every detail of
the space. The finished theatre will be opened in January 2015 and I’m sure all
the hard work will be worth it. The venue will be quite exclusive (small) at
only 45 seats per night, so you’ll have to snap up tickets fast, especially for
opening nights.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">At such a hard time for the arts, with funding cuts
coming from all angles, it may be a surprise that anyone would do something as
crazy as build a theatre from scratch. The Other Room are determined to be
ambitious despite the difficult times and it seems their very generous
Kickstarter backers are just as determined too. All their donations will be put
into creating a theatre that will have a lasting effect on the city, contributing
to its cultural and economic climate for years to come. The Other Room is also
committed to providing support for artists throughout all stages of their
careers. Obviously they will be inviting the very best established talent to
work with them, but they will also be giving a vital chance to emerging artists
through their development scheme. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Alongside all the technical business of building a venue
the team have also been busy preparing their first season of work. The
Kickstarter money has allowed The Other Room to secure the performance rights
for two great modern plays that will kick off their first season. Unfortunately
we are all going to have to wait a little longer to find out what the very
first productions to be seen at The Other Room will be. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In the mean-time head over to: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1596034339/the-other-room-cardiffs-first-pub-theatre"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">the
Kickstarter campaign</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> to see what the funds raised will be used
for (and some funny videos of the team)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/otherroomtheatre?fref=ts"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Facebook</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> to
‘like’ The Other Room <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><a href="http://www.twitter.com/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Twitter</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> to
follow @TORtheatre for updates about the theatre.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Chelseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14070763796147405797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1107423050507532977.post-32150575182231693282014-06-16T16:43:00.002+01:002014-06-16T16:43:11.545+01:00Completely Spellbinding Immersive Theatre<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Beneath the Streets<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Hijinx and Punchdrunk Enrichment<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">13<sup>th</sup>-14<sup>th</sup>
June<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Castle
Street Arcade<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">What
an absolute joy to experience!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Beneath the Streets </span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">was
the final part of a two week residency programme with Punchdrunk, hosted by
Hijinx Theatre. With only a fortnight to meet each other, explore Punchdrunk’s
unique approach to theatre and create an immersive, site-sympathetic show the
residency members somehow pulled off one of the most exciting events of 2014.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Hijinx
is one of Cardiff’s best loved theatres, touring small scale productions around
the UK and Europe. Every one of their professional shows features an inclusive
cast of actors with and without learning disabilities. Alongside this they also
provide a whole range of inclusive groups and events for adults, including
their Odyssey community theatre group. Their most unique feature is perhaps
their training Academy for actors with learning disabilities, a professional
course teaching vital theatre skills and providing chances to perform.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Members
of the Academy worked alongside other theatre professionals as part of the
Punchdrunk residency. Punchdrunk are known for their completely immersive
productions in which the audience are free to roam around the detailed world
created by the company. <i>Beneath the
Streets </i>used this free-roaming structure to allow the audience to explore
the hidden world beneath the shops of Castle Arcade.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Very
quickly the audience were split into two groups, each to participate in a
different version of events. My group was taken to a new coffee shop, hoping to
win our custom. Whilst sampling their wares things took a sinister turn, the baristas
seemed hypnotised and a recorded voice beckoned us down the stairs to the basement.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Once
we had descended a whole range of mad cap characters were there to meet us.
Somehow we had travelled through a portal to where the lost things go. Each
room in the subterranean world contained a new wonder. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">The
Lost in Translation room held two figures performing a ritual around a pile of discarded
letters. Occasionally they would share one of the messages with you, or communicate
to you in whispers. There was something so powerful about the hushed quiet and
concentration of the performers; I could have watched them for hours. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">In
complete contrast the room of Lost Memories was covered in UV paint, whilst two
shopkeepers, in equally eye catching garb, told us about their wares. The
shelves were full of brightly coloured potions, the lost memories of hundreds
of people. The pure joy and madness was intoxicating.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;"> Every new environment held a new wonder to
watch or participate in. The whole arcade became a strange and exciting wonderland
of quirky characters and involving narratives. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">As
we were ushered to the finale of the piece I wanted to run back and explore more
of this delightful world. I wanted to learn more about the people who had found
themselves trapped in the world of lost things. In the time scale it was
impossible to experience each and every part of the production, and this is
what makes it so special – each member of the audience will have had their own
unique experience.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Cardiff
doesn’t see much truly immersive theatre and this production has proved there
is a hunger for it (the show was sold out every night in advance). Hijinx and
Punchdrunk managed to take a location in the city centre and turn it into a
magical experience for everyone who walked into the arcade. More of this
please! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">To
find out more about Hijinx please visit <a href="file:///C:/Users/Chelsey/Documents/Critic/hijinx.org.uk">their website.</a><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">And <a href="http://punchdrunk.com/">click here</a> for more on Punchdrunk.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Chelseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14070763796147405797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1107423050507532977.post-72295154521820308202014-06-16T16:00:00.001+01:002014-06-16T16:00:14.045+01:00Otherworldly Dance Theatre<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Beyond
the Body<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">TaikaBox<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Sherman Cymru Theatre 1<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Wednesday 11<sup>th</sup> June, 2014<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">TaikaBox took a trip into the unknown in their latest
dance theatre offering, <i>Beyond the Body</i>.
The meditative piece explores spirituality and the unique journey of each human
spirit on their way through life (and what may come after).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">The company have an unusual and innovative approach to
dance, using not only the form of the dancer on stage. The human body is
complemented by the addition of high-tech projection and a live two-piece band,
Eyebrow. For this production the projections were on two planes, both the back
wall and the floor became reactive landscapes, adapting to the inhabitants of
the stage. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">A very loose narrative centres on the character of The
Seeker (Tilly Webber). A young woman researching a range beliefs and customs
who ends up on a spiritual journey of her own. Through this journey she
encounters four characters who each have their own path to follow and
challenges to face.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Each performer fully inhabits their role, clearly
benefitting from the extensive research process carried out by the company. The
different energy of each dancer really shines through making them unique
individuals even in the group choreography. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">For me the highlights of the show were the solos by The
Shaman (Noora Kela) and The Runner (Daisy Natale). The raw, animalistic
qualities of Kela’s movement really captured a sense of the wild. Infectious
accompaniment from the band drives this section into a ritualistic fever of
excitement. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Whereas Natale’s tortured writhing was horribly
compelling to watch. The projection also worked particularly well in this
section, a dark, inky cloud seeming to react to The Runner, trapping her and
chasing her at the same time. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">These solo sections were exciting, offering an energetic
change of pace but jarred when the whole group re-emerged from the wings. The
production often felt more like a collection of smaller pieces, with their own
narratives, rather than one cohesive whole. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Beyond
the Body </span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">will be in Edinburgh through the whole of the festival.
This long period of performance could be a great chance to keep developing and
playing with the structure of the piece to find a more organic ebb and flow
between sections. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">If you are at the Fringe this August, seek out <i>Beyond the Body </i>for its otherworldly
atmosphere and sense of curiosity. You may be surprised by what you find.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Chelseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14070763796147405797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1107423050507532977.post-10076398971970462852014-06-15T15:08:00.000+01:002014-06-15T15:10:22.321+01:00Cardiff's First Pub Theatre<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Weekly
Update: The Other Room Theatre<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Cardiff is a pretty exciting place for performance at the
moment. Two major theatres have recently instated new artistic directors, great
new companies are producing the best quality work and to top it all off Cardiff
will be getting its very first pub theatre very soon.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiatWhtDfFNhE9tT2ZF8VOv1r0ehgY2b2Us66G0EVUNoCMARmtcYbzR41eb5lYAqmaS9GrowR1p8WhFAG1XqRLT1K0jlTLphphOQe2Jy6Lw3VvlnkyWVZbKvAUj5xLiaXf7KFPNpbMFNwM/s1600/tor.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiatWhtDfFNhE9tT2ZF8VOv1r0ehgY2b2Us66G0EVUNoCMARmtcYbzR41eb5lYAqmaS9GrowR1p8WhFAG1XqRLT1K0jlTLphphOQe2Jy6Lw3VvlnkyWVZbKvAUj5xLiaXf7KFPNpbMFNwM/s1600/tor.jpeg" height="320" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">At a currently secret location in the city centre, The
Other Room will become a permane</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">nt fixture in the fabric of Cardiff life.
Offering a programme of modern classic texts and new work by Welsh or Wales-based
writers, the theatre will be a new home for top quality drama.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The first season of work will begin in early 2015 with
four performance slots that will feature some of the best British writing from
the last 60 years alongside brand new productions. The Other Room is committed
to supporting local artists and will also be helping emerging artists to become
working practitioners. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The team, headed up by artistic director Kate Wasserberg
and executive director Bizzy Day, have already been overwhelmed by the support
from local theatre makers and theatre goers. In their recent Kickstarter
campaign, The Other Room hoped to raise £2,500 to get the ball rolling on this
amazing project. That target was absolutely smashed with the final total being
over three times as much!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">To say thank you to all the supporters, The Other Room
are holding an exclusive venue reveal event later this month. The invites have
been sent out but the venue won’t be revealed until the day itself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Up until the launch I’ll be giving you little updates
about what the team are up to and what to expect when the theatre is up and
running. So keep your eyes peeled for more info.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In the mean-time head over to: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1596034339/the-other-room-cardiffs-first-pub-theatre">the
Kickstarter campaign</a></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> to see what the funds raised will be used
for (and some funny videos of the team)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/otherroomtheatre?fref=ts">Facebook</a></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> to
‘like’ The Other Room <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;"><br /></span>
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<span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.twitter.com/">Twitter</a></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;"> to
follow @TORtheatre for updates about the theatre.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Chelseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14070763796147405797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1107423050507532977.post-6483873559536167982014-06-13T13:09:00.000+01:002014-06-13T13:11:11.182+01:00Particles by Josh Coates - Preview<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Preview: Particles<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Josh Coates<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">International
Performance Festival Cardiff<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Weds
18<sup>th</sup> June, 7.30pm<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Chapter
Arts Centre<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">£5
on the door<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">The very first International Performance Festival Cardiff
is currently in full swing at Chapter Arts Centre. Artists from around the
world have been invited to the city to share their unique performance practice
which responds to the communities in which they usually work. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">In among the varied and exotic programme is theatre maker
Josh Coates, who has come all the way from the farthest depths of Bolton to
entertain you. Josh will be sharing his very first full-length, solo
production:<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Particles
</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">is
an exploration of modern storytelling, in which Josh retells the various
possibilities of a single tale. A man is faced with a decision, how will his
choices affect his life? Each choice we face carries new hope and changes the
person we become. As the possible outcomes grow and multiply the audience is
encouraged to revel in the possibilities of love and chaos.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Josh describes his work as ‘conversational’. Putting the
audience at the forefront of his work he wants to share an experience and
generate a conversation. His charismatic personality and charming stage
presence will make you feel as though you are sharing stories with an old
friend. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipXsk4_9o9OwaIWPT0fastPW__wBLzOT0ZAoeZsAiXCuXKO4j7EKoyeLnDaDSmSDVt23Ii_Ha7YLEB8GnCVt08UO3Hh76og1lyczPFQcCuRZgv69d-kS8TtpHsFDDe3h30yeKKjfqG7hw/s1600/josh2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipXsk4_9o9OwaIWPT0fastPW__wBLzOT0ZAoeZsAiXCuXKO4j7EKoyeLnDaDSmSDVt23Ii_Ha7YLEB8GnCVt08UO3Hh76og1lyczPFQcCuRZgv69d-kS8TtpHsFDDe3h30yeKKjfqG7hw/s1600/josh2.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Despite being an experienced theatre maker Josh has sadly
never performed in his own hometown. Come along on Wednesday night and give him
a warm Cardiff welcome to make him feel at home. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">To see more on <i>Particles
</i>visit the </span><a href="http://www.chapter.org/node/5612"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Chapter
website.</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">For more on the festival </span><a href="http://intangiblestudio.co.uk/ipfc/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">click here.</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Chelseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14070763796147405797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1107423050507532977.post-52827987708382379922014-06-12T21:14:00.000+01:002014-06-12T21:15:02.694+01:00Immersive, Inclusive and Intriguing <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Preview: Beneath the Streets<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Hijinx and Punchdrunk Enrichment<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">13<sup>th</sup>-14<sup>th</sup>
June<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Secret
City Centre location<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">The masters of immersive theatre Punchdrunk have come to
Cardiff to deliver a fortnight of workshops as part of Hijinx Theatre’s exciting
residency programme. These workshops, focussing on how to work as an ensemble
and create devised theatre, will culminate in a unique immersive experience this
weekend.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Beneath
the Streets </span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">explores the hidden underworld beneath the shops
of Cardiff, the concealed, dark and dirty underbelly. Punchdrunk’s enrichment
director Peter Higgin says they were keen to find ‘an iconic, interesting
location that resonates with people. But perhaps somewhere that they had never
been before.’ The whole piece explores this relationship between what is
perceived and what is hidden under the surface. What lies beneath?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">The production is shrouded in mystery and Peter warns ‘we
will be pulling the rug from under the audience’. Nothing will be as it seems
and as each audience member roams around the space they will have a unique
experience. Peter’s advice to those attending is ‘lose your friends, follow
your heart and your gut, make your own path’. The production is ephemeral and
the team believe it could be transformational as long as you are prepared to ‘accept
a certain degree of madness’.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">The cast will be made up of members of the Hijinx Academy,
a professional training scheme for actors with learning disabilities and those
who attended the residency, creating an inclusive and varied team. Double act
Matthew Purnell and Jeremy Linnell shared their excitement for the performances
saying ‘it’s a whole new experience.’ <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Matthew has been involved with Hijinx since 2007 and has
appeared in many of their shows but he believes this will be the ‘best show
ever’ and it could be ‘the highlight of your life’. Theatre maker Jeremy has
been volunteering with Hijinx since January and this is his second residency
with the company. He believes ‘interactive theatre is for everyone. It’s a real
live experience. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Instead of just sitting there for two hours you are free to
create your own experience.’ <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">The pair have worked together before and they make a
really great team. Last time, as part of the Frantic Assembly residency, they
were performing a more physical piece. This time they had to work together to
create unique characters and devise dialogue to give the audience some vital
information. This presented its own challenges as the first draft of the script
they created was fifteen minutes long, they needed to cut it down to just three!
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">The feeling of collaboration is really strong with every
member of the team contributing their all to the production. Jeremy says the
residency is ‘a lot of fun, everyone is here to make something great together ,
everyone is professional and it proves anyone can be a performer if they are
willing to work hard enough’.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Although it isn’t just performers who have been working
hard to make this production happen. Theatre student Matthew Westcott, who is
part of Odyssey, the inclusive community group for adults at Hijinx, has been
roped in to help organise volunteers and work on the set. For him this has been
a huge learning curve where he has learnt valuable new skills whilst creating
the ‘out of this world’ environment for the production. The set was described
as being like a film set, every detail matters. Matthew Westcott describes it
as ‘a real, inhabitable world full of atmosphere that the audience can explore
and interact with’. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">More than anything it is clear that everyone is excited
to share this new world with an audience. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Performer Matthew Purnell promises it
will be an ‘outstanding, surprising, cracking performance’ and adds ‘it is an
honour to work on a show like this in Cardiff.’ <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">I</span></span><span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">f you aren’t already intrigued Jeremy gave one more
tantalising clue: ‘pay attention to anything you’ve lost’. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">For more on Hijinx, including their residencies and the
Academy <a href="http://www.hijinx.org.uk/">click here</a><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">To find out more about Punchdrunk <a href="http://punchdrunk.com/">click here.</a></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Chelseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14070763796147405797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1107423050507532977.post-90680914796930280972014-06-07T13:21:00.002+01:002014-06-07T13:21:32.696+01:00Technology, Music and Movement<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Preview:
Beyond the Body<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">TaikaBox<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Sherman Cymru Theatre 1<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">7.30pm
Wednesday 11<sup>th</sup> June, 2014<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Dance, live music and technology come together in a truly
innovative and beautiful way in this reworked version of <i>Beyond the Body</i>. The otherworldly production by TaikaBox searches
the human spirit, following the characters on their curious journeys of self
discovery and development.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">This refreshed version of their 2012 original production
will be touring Cardiff, Edinburgh, Llanelli and Harlech. Throughout next week
TaikaBox will be performing around the city of Cardiff culminating in the
performance at Sherman Cymru.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">The project is the result of much research by
choreographer Tanja Råman and visual artist John Collingswood who make up TaikaBox.
From the ritualistic world of the shaman to the non-stop drive of the modern
city they have explored the ways in which we connect to our bodies, the people
we meet, our beliefs and the world around us.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Five wonderfully unique dancers will help the audience
explore the world out of balance. Each one caught up in a repetitive cycle,
sometimes given chances of redemption and rebalance. The work is initiated by
The Seeker a young woman searching for something, looking through old texts and
immersing herself in other worlds. Along the way she encounters four figures,
possibly parts of her own imagination or perhaps something entirely different,
they share her journey whilst exploring their own paths. They are the four
elements, the four directions of the compass, four tribes who once were one. If
all four can find balance there is an opportunity for harmony. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">In rehearsal the production, even with less than half of
its full lighting and projection rig, is visually arresting. Rarely do
companies find a way to seamlessly fuse live performance with projected images,
yet TaikaBox have done just that. The projections, on the walls and floor, seem
to react to the movement of the dancers complimenting their physicality rather
than competing with them. In performance this promises to be a really exciting collaboration
between body and technology. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">The addition of live musicians is the perfect third
element, maintaining the ethereal and mystic atmosphere throughout the piece.
The rhythms will take you into the world of the shaman or the make you feel the
delicacy of our natural environment. With just a drum kit and a trumpet the two
musicians will enhance the emotion and intensity of the movement, really
capturing the mood.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">This unusual and intriguing dance piece is only onstage
in Cardiff for one night. Come along and explore, you may just find something
important.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Tickets:£12<br />
Concessions: £2 off<br />
Under 25s: Half Price <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;"><a href="http://www.shermancymru.co.uk/performance/dance/beyond-the-body">www.shermancymru.co.uk/performance/dance/beyond-the-body</a><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;">Ticket Office 02920 646900</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Chelseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14070763796147405797noreply@blogger.com0