Cornwall-based arts charity, Shallal, is gearing up to perform Refuges on Friday 11th July at The Centre, Newlyn.
Back by popular request, Refuges will a one-off ‘spontaneous response’ performance, seeing performers improvising much of the show.
Shallal, which runs ongoing groups and projects for artists of all ages and abilities, have pioneered an approach to dance theatre performance over its three decades.
Since inception, they have tried to show the equity and skills of each dancer as unique and beautiful and finally found the approach some years ago.
This approach sees performers of all ages and experience, have complete creative control.
‘Spontaneous response,' is derived from Open Improvisation, which aspires to ‘access and equity at its heart’ by giving the decisions in the moment to the dance artists.
Shallal Founder and Creative Director, Jo Willis, explains: “This form of expression can create a warm rapport and relationship with the audience as well as with the other performers.”
For this particular performance, the dancers involved will have never heard the album before, so it pushes their improvisation skills to the limit, while creating a ‘unique immersive experience’ for the dancers and the audience.
Shallal Dance Theatre started in Newlyn and celebrates its 40 year anniversary in 2027.
“This show contains a wonderful mixture of immediacy, intimacy, creativity, fun and awe,” Jo added.
“Come along and enjoy this new and vital way of working.”
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