PHASE 1
A PROJECT FOR FOLKESTONE
Crossings is a performance work about journeys. Reflecting the many travels, both actual and emotional, that are made in expectation of some kind of safe arrival. The performance moves from small and private journeys to images that evoke the mass evacuation of people fleeing war and starvation.
The work invites us to consider the plight of people suffering social oppression, discrimination and cultural exclusion. Art can tackle those things in society that matter to all of us.
a work that can be scaled up or down, for a small ensemble or a mob performance
The piece is designed to be staged with short bursts, followed by a pause, regroup and then continuation. With a back-and-forth flow of people, the movements accumulate, adding characters engaged in all kinds of activities performed on the move and growing in complexity, adding layers and meanings, and exploring different types of movement that range from small modifications to normal walking to increasingly more elaborate group actions. Individuals gradually carry luggage and bags and then begin to operate in small groups, carrying doors, windows, furniture, small boats and people. Gradually the spectacle builds and builds into a cacophony of movement and sound, with a clear narrative arc, that ends with a solitary child trying to catch up with the procession.
Working outdoors in a public context means we can meet people who may not normally consider dance and performance an art form for them. Working in local and public spaces brings with it a responsibility to create something that is engaging, thoughtful and profound.
It will reflect the many diverse backgrounds of local people, from long-term residents and community groups to recent arrivals from other countries and cultures.
Making the work in the public domain in a specific place and community is an opportunity not just to present a work and engage new audiences, but also to investigate the recruitment of local groups, who may be already working with different communities. Local people can be involved as performers and as stewards to direct audiences and be consulted on the accessibility needs in their community.
Beach Sketch 2017
This is a public facing project, it relies heavily on community involvement not only in the volume of performers, but intrinsically in the personal and community engagement, where the value of the issues raised is equal to investment of the creative process.
There is no migrant problem, its a dog whistle distraction from the real issues
SKETCHES
Crossings is a story that demands attention, ideally told within the very communities affected by the ongoing humanitarian crisis of small boats landing along the South Coast, particularly evident in Folkestone and Dover.
This narrative finds its roots in 2015 when as the lead artist for Venice Agendas where I set the theme of Crossing Boundaries, this sparked my exploration of the intersections between borders and migrations. Relocating to Folkestone in 2016 marked a significant transition in my perspective; however, it wasn't until late 2018 that the arrival of small boats began to escalate into a pressing issue. Since then, this once-unfamiliar occurrence has become a regular part of life for many residents, who now share personal stories regarding the boats and the refugees seeking solace and refuge.
The presence of temporary accommodations, including the controversial Napier Barracks, underscores the region's complex relationship with these movements of people. As the closest landfall from France, Folkestone and Dover are uniquely positioned, giving weight and urgency to the discourse surrounding these crossings—a discourse that must be thoughtfully engaged with by those who live it.
With music by many world class folkestone based composers.
PHASE 2
THE PROJECT IS IN THE FIRST STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT
At the moment the project is in the development phase, looking at locations, sound, and investigating some of the logistics. This also includes possible funding streams.
Phase 2 is about putting together funding bids, this will also be when we will contact choreographers and dance companies.
There will also be a callout of interested people to participate in the performance to work along side professional performers.
Key also to this project would be to work closely with Strange Cargo who have overseen the annual Charivari procession, and local dance companies.
Phase two would be to contact local professional and educational dance organisations in Kent. There are a number of professional and amateur dance companies. There are some amazing dance companies based in folkestone and Kent. Listed below just some of those companines.
Directory of local dance, performance organisations
