The production, Stuck in the Mud, plays with the tendencies we have to be ‘stuck in our ways’, and instead explores our perceptions. It shows the sheer beauty of what can grow if the right time and care is invested.
Stuck in the Mud has already reinforced positive impressions of the talents of disabled people, as evidenced in the 2012 Paralympics and the reception it received at at Hidcote.
Now it will be recreated in historic Blackfriars Priory in Gloucester on 13 & 14 October and Newport as part of the Riverfront Dance Festival in November 2013.
The ambitious partnership unites an inclusion specialist dance trainer and producer; a Welsh ballet company and the National Trust and promises to continue to encourage vital learning curves, and outcomes of national significance.
The cast of 14 professionals includes 11 from Ballet Cymru and 3 disabled contemporary dancers, including the charismatic Kiruna Stamell, a dancer with Dwarfism who won 3 gold stars on Sky 1’s ‘Got to Dance’
Addressing the dire need to increase opportunities for disabled children and young people to access dance, a community cast of about 80 per will comprise groups from local schools and clubs including those working with disabled young people.
This partnership was forged by visionary circus and dance producer Helen Crocker, and renowned disabled choreographer Marc Brew.
Marc has created dance all over the world. He was guest collaborator and media spokesperson for the London handover ceremony at the Beijing Olympics, and was hailed in Time Out magazine as ‘the best of the new breed of London’s rising dance talent’.
His artistry and expertise will be further capitalised on in his role as mentor to two emerging disabled choreographers recruited to assist on Stuck in the Mud.
Deaf Japanese choreographer Chisato Minamimura has had the opportunity to extend her practice into outdoor and site-specific settings, whilst young London based wheelchair dancer Laura Dajao has begun her choreographic journey with the community and schools groups in the Cotswolds and will continue with the groups from both Gloucester and then Newport.
The performances are being promoted as part of Cheltenham Music Festival whose Director, Meurig Bowen, was instrumental in recruiting Welsh Livery Guild award winner Jack White as composer for Stuck in the Mud. The artistic team was further strengthened by prolific theatrical costume designer Steve Denton.
The local schools and colleges involved so far include Milestone School, the National Star College, Widden and Longlevens Primary schools.
Stuck in the Mud is supported by the National Trust, Arts Council England and Arts Council of Wales, but ticket sales will be essential for the charity to break even, so please show your support and treat yourself to a unique, uplifting experience at the same time by buying a ticket for the whole family for £25 through the Gloucester Guildhall.
Tickets can be purchased from the Guildhall Box Office - Tel: 01452 503050 or visit
http://www.gloucester.gov.uk/Freetime/Guildhall/listings/theatre/StuckInTheMud.aspx
Lead partner is GDance, based in Colwell Road, Gloucester. Nationally recognised for inclusive dance specialism, GDance is currently spearheading a sector development initiative with a new network of 60 inclusive dance partners from across the UK.
Quotes from its the premiere at Hidcote :-
“I found the whole experience magical and overwhelming”
“Hugely thought provoking. Dream like. Beautiful”
“Lyrical and beautiful! Quite a magical experience!”
Read a review by Annabel Brittain at http://bit.ly/12YI7nc
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