12 Dancing Princesses
Commissioned by the V&A, Metta Theatre presented an experiment in story-telling. It was an extract from Sexing The Cherry – an adaptation for the stage by Poppy Burton-Morgan, based on the original novel by Jeanette Winterson. 12 stories were told simultaneously by a physical performer/dancer, a violinist and a illustrator – charting the loves and losses of the 12 dancing princesses.
The performance took place within Spiral Booths – a small structure designed for performance, by Vazio S/A, as part of the V&A’s exhibition – 1:1 Architects Build Small Spaces.
There are plans for a full version of the script to be produced in association with the Southbank Centre as part of the literary festival in Summer 2011.
This performance was the impetus behind points of light, a dance theatre piece which is currently in development.
SHOW DETAILS
V&A spiral booths
CAST & CREW
CAST
Violinist | Mandhira De Saram
Physical performer | Samuel Collings
Illustrator | Jack Bedeman
PRODUCTION TEAM
Director | Poppy Burton-Morgan
Choreographer | Loren O’Dair
Designer | William Reynolds
Composer | Jessica Dannheisser
GALLERY
REVIEWS
Audience Feedback
‘Lovely, beautiful beautiful beautiful. I enjoyed it very much. Really cool.’
‘Reminded me of the 60s! More please!’
‘It was fun to experience live art in such confined spaces. I love the live art illustrations!’
‘A visual sensuous delight. The fragility of the pieces within the secretive yet industrial setting was beautiful. Totally marvellous, thought-provoking & sensitive.’
‘An engaging and imaginative telling of an abstract story. The three elements of live performance worked beautifully – beautiful artwork, atmospheric violin playing and compelling physical performance – an utter delight!’
‘I enjoyed the spatial complexity and the different scenarios that were taking place in close proximity…they were different streets in an upward spiralling city.’
‘I liked the jewellery boxes and the small alcoves, and the sound of the violin throughout. I felt like a character in the story.’
‘A wonderfully fresh and intelligent approach to enhancing and expanding the nature of installations. The spaces are given new dimensions by sound and movement that draw the eye and the heart. Excellent.’
‘Very impressed by the quality of the piece and the skill of the performers. The physical theatre was very impressive & I thoroughly enjoyed the interactive elements.’