a new outdoor performance – a joyful play celebrating Dorset mackerel, music and dance
This autumn the Caught in the Net R&D devising and making project was generously funded by Arts Council England, Dorset Council, Dorset AONB sustainable development fund and Dorset Performing Arts Fund through Dorset Community Foundation and supported by Artsreach, Common Ground and Dorset Food & Drink.
This is a new co-created R&D performance by co-directors Anna Golding (dance and choreography) and Phil Smith (theatre) with original musical soundtrack and songs by harpist and composer Sarah Deere-jones. Project lead and playwright was Sarah Acton. The R&D was devised and performed by Grace and Growl community dancers, together with volunteer participants from Dorset.
Caught in the Net is inspired by Sarah’s book and research, and includes the real memories and stories of local seine fishing families along Chesil Beach. Created for tour next year supported by Artsreach, the show celebrates and reimagines fishing traditions, the decline of the seine fishing industry that had thrived along the Dorset coast for centuries, lerret boats and seasonal traditions and it also marks the 200th anniversary of the Great Storm that hit the area in 1824.
After a glorious site response in harmony with, and singing and dancing to the landscape of the Fleet Chickerell and Old Fleet Church, in site of the ridge of pebbles, Little Sea and beach, the company moved indoors to continue R&D making and experimenting at Royal Manor Theatre Portland.
In addition to Anna, Sarah, Sarah and Phil our company included Anna Takashima (actor), Sophie Fretwell (costumes) Stella New (stage manager), Jean Tranter (assistant stage manager), Sandra Fretwell (props) Zeph Staddon (performer) and community members of the Grace and Growl mature dance company. Thanks for the many voluntary hours and creative commitment to all of our performers and supporters.
photo credit above: Justin P Brown
photo credit above three photos: Rob Jayne
photo credit above: Justin P Brown
Community outreach and performance tasters took place before the R&D shows, and in communities in Chickerell and Portland and included singing and performance arts plus arts – 3D mackerel art-making and flag-making with artists Darrell Wakelam and Ilse Black.
photo credit: Justin P Brown