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Forthcoming
Christmas Crachits Tour 2009
Jim’s story, presented by
professional actors from community arts company Blaize, stops short before the
end and the final direction of the plot is then determined either by a local
group or by suggestions from the audience. Surprises are definitely in store!
See list of shows below:
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International Village of Culture (IVOC) 31 March 2009 - 3 April 2009 Durham City .
The 2009 annual National Rural Touring Forum’s conference takes an international theme. Ellen is on the conference ‘task group’ and the ‘Northern Consortium of touring schemes’ and is contributing to the development and planning of the conference, including new commissioned work for touring.
The conference was a thought provoking event with so many opportunities for networking that I have returned with many new ideas for Rural Touring Performances in Swanland.
The showcase performances were mind-blowing and I shall bore my friends and family with my relating of the experience for many months to come! I just wish I had been forty years younger in order to have participated longer in the late-night-into-early-morning impromptu musical extravaganzas (about which I heard over breakfasts!).
I enjoyed just about everything at the conference. The sessions were varied, interesting and informative. The speakers were very knowledgeable and passed on their experiences in a clear and relaxed manner with ample time allowed for questions, discussions and debate.
The showcases were unbelievable - especially the Frikar Dance ensemble. I had no knowledge of traditional Norwegian dance but would NEVER have expected anything approaching what we were privileged to witness. I still believe that the dancers only pretended to come from Norway but they actually were from another planet, as their bodies performed in ways that were impossible for human beings.
The other showcase performances brought instruments and music from different countries that were totally new experiences for me. Had anyone else heard bicycle wheels and washing-up bowls used in a “traditional” music setting before? I approve the idea of inventing new traditions.
I learned about “White Voice” singing - and its benefits - from Dautenis; I learned about the differences between Estonian, Scottish and Northumbrian bagpipes from Ro Toro; I learned of the Danish fiddle music tradition from Harald Haggar; and, from the Frikar troupe I learned that there is no end to individual talents (playing a fiddle whilst balancing backwards; being able to dance, perform extreme gymnastics AND play a fiddle).
I was very impressed with the organisation of the whole conference and, as I had attended alone, I particularly liked the freedom to join any group of people at any table at mealtimes and coffee breaks. Doing this enabled me to have a much broader insight of the Performing Arts circuit, from the eyes of performers, organisers and other promoters. The choice of Durham as a venue was inspired. For visitors who had never been to this part of the country before it must have been an exciting experience - with city, history and beautiful countryside - and very easily accessible by road, rail or air.
I enjoyed talking - and bouncing ideas between - other promoters and was very interested in seeing how other village halls adapt to accommodate the performers.
The quality of the food was a very pleasant surprise -I like the fact that, where possible, the food was locally sourced and fairtrade coffee was available - in the dining room. What a shame they used other coffees in the rooms - and plastic, rather than recyclable, cups. The village halls' catering also showed inspiration and has given me "food for thought".
My new view of myself is that I am just a little krill after someone said that the whole organisation is like a food chain. Without the audiences (the Krills) that I provide, the International Organisers (the Whales) would wither and die.
With that thought, Cheers
Yvonne