A powerful week of movement, connection, and cultural exchange with Extraordinary Bodies and Pamoja Dance Company by Jamie Beddard.
Following Extraordinary Bodies visit to Nairobi last October, Pamoja Dance Company returned to Plymouth for a second week’s research and development of Earth, Wheels, Air. Unfortunately, I could not make the Kenya trip but settled rather for sun-soaked Devon. Having been involved in previous residencies at the Theatre Royal Plymouth, knowing the project and so many involved, I knew this would be a blast. And it exceeded expectations.
The Perfect Setting for Creativity
The TR2 Production and Learning Centre overlooking the River Plym is brilliant facility and location, and all the staff there are incredibly welcoming, helpful and now familiar. The Earth, Wheels, Air team had developed close bonds in Kenya, and I was greeted with silent yoga on arrival, and this calmness and connectedness prevailed throughout the week. This combination of place and people set the tone and backdrop for the artistic work.
Exploring Disability, Movement, and Culture
The team were exploring the experiences of disability across Africa and the UK, particularly the ways we move around and negotiate our environments. Openness and honesty ensured commonalities and differences soon came into focus. The rigged bicycles, wheelchairs and trapezes, coupled with beautifully expressive floor and dance work immediately conjured up earth, wheel and air. Later in the week, the UK-based Kenyan musician, Rapasa Nyatrapasa Otieno, joined with his horde of traditional Kenyan instruments and singing, providing the perfect accompaniment to the action all around.
The cultural and artistic exchange dovetailed and as the UK artists had negotiated the streets of Nairobi and been on safari, so we had harbour cruises, fish and chip and Cornish pasties. The sun shone, Plymouth was discovered and more stories shared. All were bouyant and we returned to the rehearsal room to continue exploring what connects and moves us – literally and metaphorically.
A Joyous Sharing to End the Week
On the Friday, the work and ideas were presented back to an invited but massive audience; everyone must have said ‘yes’. All came together brilliantly, as the themes, artforms and artists swirled around the room, and the work already done and potential for further collaboration obvious for all to see. A fitting and joyous end to this phase of the Earth, Wheels, Air.
So many people were involved in making Earth, Wheels, Air happen, and the Mid Life team were also in town opening their show at the Theatre Royal Plymouth. We, Extraordinary Bodies (A partnership with Diverse City and Cirque Bijou), are at our best when bringing people together across artforms, projects, and in this case, countries. And Plymouth always delivers – the people, facilities, welcome, care and atmosphere. There are far too many people to thank, and I was sorry to leave, albeit via my favourite Plymouth to London train journey.
Of course, now we need to reflect and talk with our friends to see if, how and when we can make Earth, Wheels, Air into a fully-fledged show… maybe then I will get to Kenya? Watch this space.
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Earth, Wheels, Air is an international creative collaboration between Extraordinary Bodies and Kenya’s leading inclusive contemporary dance company, Pamoja Dance Group.
Earth, Wheels, Air is an Unlimited International Open Award 2024 commission made possible thanks to funding from British Council. Partners include Theatre Royal Plymouth, Head Over Wheels, The Sarakasi Trust, and Woodland Star International School.
Artists
Jonny Leitch, Extraordinary Bodies
Tilly Lee-Kronick, Extraordinary Bodies
Joseph Kanyenje Muriithi, Pamoja Dance Group
Beatrice Wambui Maina, Pamoja Dance Group
Chris Mandela Orwa, Pamoja Dance Group
Creative Team
Alice Chutter, Producer
Saul Baum, Rigger
Charles Kangethe Kahunguria, KSL Interpreter
Daniella Faircloth, Creative Access
Jamie Beddard, Creative Mentor
