Rehearsals underway for breathtaking outdoor spectacle
Rehearsals for one of the biggest and most ambitious outdoor performances of dance, acrobatics and music ever to be seen in Tamworth are now in full swing, including on location in the Castle Grounds.
Hundreds of school children, young dancers, singers and drummers are preparing for the production of Tigress led by the nationally acclaimed and award-winning performance company Motionhouse.
The talented Tamworth participants are enjoying the opportunity of working with some of the biggest names in the business, including Motionhouse artistic director Kevin Finnan MBE who was choreographer and movement director of the London 2012 Paralympic games opening ceremony.
A completely original production, Tigress will bring Tamworth’s rich history to life with a modern retelling of the story of the warrior Saxon queen Ethelfleda across three free performances on Saturday May 9th and Sunday May 10th.
Set against the stunning backdrop of Tamworth Castle, the show will use the environment to spectacular effect, combining elements of dance, acrobatics, music and drumming.
The one-off masterpiece forms the I Am Dance element of I Am Tamworth and is the centre-piece of the 12-month celebration of the arts being organised by Tamworth Borough Council’s Arts and Events team this year.
Rehearsals have continued in earnest with many of the performers coming together in the Castle Grounds to practise on location.
Dancers from Tamworth Dance Company, Tamworth Enterprise College and Landau Forte QEMS Sixth Form went through their moves, while singers rehearsed the original score which has been written specially for Tigress by composer Sophy Smith.
The song will be performed by members of Tamworth Voices, Tamworth Ladies Choir and Tamworth Male Voice Choirs who are enjoying ‘working with the best’.
Linda Hastilow of Tamworth Voices said: “This has been an amazing experience and we are really looking forward to the performance.”
The cast rehearsing in the Castle Grounds
Kevin Finnan, who directed the recent weekend of rehearsals, said: “The show is really starting to come together now. Working with the different community groups on location in Tamworth has been a fantastic experience and I’m really looking forward to the next rehearsals as we continue to build the show. Bringing together such a wide range of people to create one piece of work is really something special.
“The more I work on Tigress, the more I am impressed by the story of Ethelfleda. She really was an incredible woman who deserves to be celebrated for the rich history she has given to the town.”
Tigress will see the formidable Lady of the Mercians – daughter of Alfred the Great - shouldering the responsibility of commanding her army against the invading Vikings following the death of her husband King Ethelred, while bringing up their daughter.
In a fierce fight for their lives, the Mercians use strength and tenacity to survive as dancers lead the spectacle to an exhilarating climax.
A whole range of people are involved in bringing the production to the ‘stage’, which, in addition to the dancers and singers, includes Tamworth Rep Company, Amington Band, Belgrave Taiko Drummers, Tolsons Mill Craft group, artist Maggie Carney, volunteers from the Tamworth Wellbeing and Cancer Support Centre, fashion designer Rebecca Healy and dozens of knitters who have been creating a huge Mercian flag which will be dramatically unfurled as part of the performance.
Motionhouse is renowned for its awe-inspiring ‘4D’ spectacles where music, visuals, dance and physical theatre combine to form a seamless, immersive experience that is accessible and enjoyable for all.
Tigress will be performed at 2pm and 7pm on May 9th and at 2pm on May 10th. This free event is not to be missed.
Aurélie Frati do you fancy going to see that?? xx
Yes definitely! Xx