This May, Southwark invites you to the premiere of Weighting, to watch an incredible FREE circus show showcasing a fantastic fusion of music, dance and aerial acrobatics featuring disabled and non-disabled performers. This unique performance is fully accessible for everyone to enjoy and is set to be a highlight of this summer.
Weighting will premiere in Dulwich Park on Saturday 9 with performances at 2pm and 7pm and on Sunday 10 May with a performance at 2pm as a part of Dulwich Festival. The cast includes eight extraordinary performers who take to the air in a joyful exploration of journeys, risk-taking and transformation. The show takes place on a 12m x 12m rig that transforms the set from bridge to staircase, swinging and lifting performers high into the air.
This innovative performance combines music, circus, and dance and theatre into a 45 minute show with a beautiful musical score written by musician and theatre-maker Dom Coyote and, multi-instrumentalist, Ted Barnes, best known for his work with singer-songwriter Beth Orton. The music is played by a five piece band and includes a finale song sung by a 100 strong locally recruited, integrated choir.
Weighting is produced by Extraordinary Bodies, the UK’s first integrated circus company showcasing disabled and non-disabled performers, funded by Southwark Council and supported using funding from the National Lottery through Arts Council England.
The show follows an extraordinary family living in a grey world of routine and simplicity. Across the bridge the world is full of colour, excitement, and music. However to get to the other side the family have to risk everything. And then one day the mother decides to leave and cross the bridge. Will she make it home in time for tea?
Cllr Dora Dixon-Fyle, cabinet member for adult care, arts and culture said, “Weighting is a very special performance for people in Southwark and across London to enjoy. The performance will showcase disabled and non-disabled talents together, creating a fantastic show that will enable everyone to experience, enjoy and learn first hand about integration. I can’t wait to see Weighting’s debut this May.”
Accessibility is key to this show. All branding and promotional materials have been developed to ensure Weighting engages with the widest range of audience possible. All digital content is fully accessible to all disabled and deaf people featuring captioning, audio description, Makaton and more.
Vashti Waite, Producer of Extraordinary Bodies said, “Weighting is a show about courage and we are excited that London Borough of Southwark will be the premier show of Weighting 2015. Extraordinary Bodies is a legacy of a show which was produced for the opening ceremony of the Olympics in Weymouth. Two companies, Diverse City and Cirque Bijou collaborated and formed Extraordinary Bodies to continue creating work that provided a platform for integrated performers, what ever their ethnicity or physical ability.”
Lead artist and performer, Jamie Beddard said “This is a joyous theatrical event. The show celebrates risk, as our characters go on a wild, riotous journey of self discovery. By bringing unlikely bodies, partnerships and alliances together, satisfying and meaningful theatre and performance can be created…all bodies are extraordinary.”
Weighting’ will premiere on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 May in Dulwich Park. This performance is not to be missed!
For more information please visit www.southwark.gov.uk/
