Following a sell out tour in 2008, Falling About undertook a second national tour in March 2009. Performed in small scale art theatres, day care centres, community halls, hospitals and sheltered housing, Falling About addresses the often complex issues that surround falling, both physically and emotionally, in a light hearted and humorous way. Each performance had the option of an accompanying workshop, where the audience could join in a chair based dance session and chat with the cast.
The Production
Falling About is the story of Ruby. Ruby is a person like the rest of us, with many failings, but as often as she falls – physically, emotionally, spiritually - she finds a way up again and it’s her love of dance and movement that carries her through. Written and choreographed by Green Candle Dance Company’s Artistic Director, Fergus Early with original music by Martina Schwarz and design by Nina Ayres, the production is a feast of different dance styles – jitterbug, tap, contemporary dance and new and old songs.
Fergus Early and Jreena Green in 2008 tour of Falling About.
Photo: Hugo Glendinning
'...staff said it was really one of the best things they have ever had there and particularly like the gritty, real non-sentimental story and the different types of dancing especially the zimmer frame one'.
Alison Teader Arts & Education Co-ordinator Central & Cecil Housing Trust
'All of you presented a magical afternoon'
Nicola Humberstone, Improving the Patrient Experience, Mile End Hospital
‘The quality was to a high standard with Falling About really relating to all parts of life. Therefore the elders, having gone through certain experiences, could relate to the performance.'
Bonita Cattle, Arts Development Officer, Redbridge Council
‘The performance was original and of very high quality – the dances were excellent and beautifully choreographed.'
Tina Wood, Activity co-ordinator, Peabody Trust, St John’s Hill Cenre
For more information on the production please contact Suzanne Firth.
Email: suzanne@greencandledance.com
Call: 020 7739 7722.
Biographies
FERGUS EARLY - Writer, Choreography and Performer
Fergus began his dancing career with the Royal Ballet, later studying at the London Contemporary Dance School. A founder member of X6 Dance Space and New Dance Magazine in 1987 Fergus formed Green Candle Dance Company. The company has won three Digital Dance Awards and was also awarded £250,000 from the National Lottery for a large-scale community project in the London borough of Islington, which included eight performances as Sadler’s Wells Theatre. Fergus is the winner of several awards, including Greater London Arts Dance Award, a Lisa Ullman Travelling Bursary and the Time Out/Dance Umbrella Award for Outstanding Artistic Achievement and has recently been awarded an OBE for his contribution to dance. 'Falling About' is the 24th full length production Fergus has choreographed for the company.
NINA AYRES – Designer
Nina graduated in 1997 from the Central School of Speech and Drama with a first class honours degree in Theatre Design. She has worked both as a maker and designer on productions ranging from Sleeping Beauty for the Royal Ballet, Festival of the Sea in Portsmouth and Chris Weitz’s film Golden Compass. This is the fifth Green Candle production Nina has designed and she enjoys the challenge that touring shows present. She especially likes designing sets that can transform each scene right before the audience. One of Nina’s latest projects saw her create 19 Disney superhero costumes for the Butlins summer show. She has also recently completed a book called ‘Creating Outdoor Theatre’ published by Crowood Press.
MARTINA SCHWARZ – Musician
Born in Cologne, Martina has worked in Germany, France and England as a musician, performer, composer and songwriter. She studied accordion with Phillippe Piquot in Paris, where she also trained as an actress with Phillippe Gaulier. Based in London since 1991, Martina has collaborated with many companies including thėâtre sans frontiėres, Shared Experience, London Bubble Theatre, ENO Baylis and Stanly Hall Opera. She has written music for film and won a composer’s competition for accordion in 2006. Martina works for Music in Hospitals as part of Spitalfields Festival scheme Music on Call. Falling About will be Martina’s third collaboration with Green Candle; she previously took part in the company’s tour of Home and in 2001/2 Forward Motion, a national tour for children in hospitals, primary and special needs schools.
JREENA GREEN – Performer
After a year with the National Youth Dance Company, Jreena trained as a dancers at the London Contemporary Dance School. She has danced in several West End musicals, including the original cast of The Lion King and has toured Europe and the USA with the Jiving Lindy Hoppers in Hot Foot from Harlem. Jreena choreographed the BBC2 film Chirps as well as many music videos including Curtis Mantronics, Ere Dis and a top 10 hit single for Kira. She has also worked as a choreographer and performer in numerous shows and projects, most recently Bird Boy and Mrs Wobble at New Peckham Varieties, in panto with Cinderella and Jack and the Beanstalk at Hackney Empire. She gained a BA Hons in Dance Studies from Middlesex University in 2004. Jreena has been involved with Green Candle projects as a workshop leader and Dance Tutor and this is her first production with the company.
