Stories from women across the north inspire new dance show

North East based Company of Others are listening to real life experiences from women across the North to create a new dance production which will premiere at Kala Sangam and tour in Spring 2019.

Crackle. Dust. is a Co-Created dance theatre production with women from across the North of England. The production positively represents women by sharing their experiences of endings that have had a life changing impact through movement, live sound and spoken word. The show is a poetic unveiling of women’s resilience, a call to action for us all to listen more carefully and a sharing of power. Performed by an exquisitely diverse ensemble of 6 female performers Crackle. Dust. witnesses and celebrates the silence breakers, survivors and the hopeful in our region whilst remaining universal.

‘Beautiful & Urgent’ Audience Member

‘Brilliant Representation and Integrity’ Audience Member

Crackle. Dust. is a love letter to women everywhere who have survival stories that may have never been told, and is a celebration of their strength, intuition and courage.

Newcastle based, Artistic Director Nadia Iftkhar, has been inspired by the women in her life to make this work. Nadia says:

‘In today’s world we are surrounded by stories in the media of experiences from women who already have a platform yet we can overlook the stories of those closest to us; grandmothers, mothers, sisters, colleagues and friends. These stories often go untold, even though there are so many lessons in those experiences and so many women who want to feel heard and witnessed. Crackle. Dust. is my way of readdressing the balance and sharing stories of women from across the North and celebrating their resilience’.

 As part of the research Nadia will be listening and collecting stories from women until February 2019 and then inviting the women into rehearsals to help her shape how their experience is performed on stage.

‘So many women have contacted me with complete honesty in their words and I feel an incredible responsibility to represent their stories with care and empathy. I want women from all walks of life to see themselves reflected in the show, to share with us a celebration of the great things women can achieve and their resilience to overcoming the impossible’.

Crackle. Dust. is Company of Others’ first full length production in collaboration with Sound Designer Caro C, Set and Costume Designer Nicolai Hart Hansen, Lighting Designer Lucy Hansom and Performers Sophie Hutchinson, Susan Betts, Alicia Meehan, Emma Holt and Jenna Ann Nathan.

Company of Others is a story of success in itself. Artistic Director, Nadia Iftkhar, has been working with communities in the North East for over 10 years before founding Company of Others in 2016. During its inaugural year, the company was selected by Arts Council England to be awarded Elevate Funds in order to strengthen the organisation in recognition of Nadia’s important contribution to diversity and equality within the arts in the North.

Alex Croft, Creative Director at Kala Sangam said:

‘Bringing communities together, and ensuring people’s voices are heard, is central to everything we do at Kala Sangam so I’m delighted we’re presenting the premiere of this important new work here in Bradford. We’ve supported Company of Others throughout the project and it’s been incredible to see the words, experiences and memories of women from throughout Bradford’s communities brought to life. I think it’s going to be a moving, thought provoking, must-see piece of theatre.’

Do you have a story to tell? Nadia will be at Kala Sangam to listen to stories from women in Yorkshire who want to tell their stories in person, between 11am and 3pm on Friday 20^th December 2018. To book a slot or find out more about how to tell your story – email Nadia or to share your experience anonymously, please post it to: Nadia Iftkhar (Company of Others), Kala Sangam Arts Centre, St Peter’s House, 1 Forster Square, Bradford, BD1 4TY.

Image: Alicia Clarke