|
|
The Ocean Project The importance of the ocean as a significant archive of our heritage was the starting point for a major dance participation initiative undertaken by the Barbican Theatre, Plymouth in 2007.
The Barbican Theatre successfully secured funding to deliver this major new project. A £21,500 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund's Young Roots Programme played a key role in providing this funding. The research and inspiration for the project was made possible by a unique partnership between arts, heritage and science organisation in Plymouth . The Barbican Theatre and Plymouth Youth Dance Company created links with the University Of Plymouth , National Marine Aquarium, Marine Biological Association, Plymouth City Museum and Naval Library, Plymouth Records Office and South West Film Archive. These new partnerships between the dancers and the city's heritage and maritime resources enabled the production of two-thirds blue , a new contemporary dance theatre piece. This inspirational work then became an effective vehicle around which a diverse programme of activity related to the ocean's heritage could be created. "We wanted to encourage as many young people as possible to get involved, be inspired and participate in the Ocean Project and we achieved this by programming a wide range of accessible events which attracted a large number of young people from diverse social and cultural backgrounds." Jules Laville Dance Animateur Barbican Theatre Activity included world ocean day celebrations, sponsored beach clean ups, a live performance weekend, education and community tour, dance, science, music and art workshops, exhibitions and science talks. This activity took place indoors and outdoors in a variety of non arts spaces for instance local primary and secondary schools, National Trust properties and on Plymouth Hoe. The total number of people who accessed the Ocean Project between June and August 2007 was 3871 this included 669 school pupils and teachers. For the 16 members of Plymouth Youth Dance Company (PYDC) the Ocean Project provided them with invaluable experience and training in choreography, performance, touring and workshop facilitation. P.Y.D.C. now in its 9 th year has built up a professional reputation within the South West for its original, high quality and engaging dance performance. Working alongside professional designers, choreographers and composers. "Over the past nine years on average, 70% percent of our dancers in PYDC have successfully gone onto to train professionally at either University or at one of the top specialist dance colleges .i.e. Laban, London Studio Centre, London Contemporary Dance School & Northern School of Contemporary Dance ." Jules Laville Dance Animateur Barbican Theatre The Ocean project succeeded in increasing young people's understanding of and involvement in the ocean heritage. A combination of a high quality revealing, dance theatre performance and an exciting accessible workshop package ensured that audiences were taken on an informative journey on which they could identify with and celebrate the ocean. For more information about the Ocean Project contact Jules Laville, Barbican Theatre on 01752 242020 jules@barbicantheatre.co.uk. |
Participants said about the Ocean Project:
" I really enjoyed taking part in all the Ocean Project activities from the dance workshop and beach walk to the World Ocean Day Capoeira right through to the amazing summer school. It all inspired me to think more about how we can protect our precious oceans." Kane Mills age 13 "As always the school's involvement with the Barbican Theatre on this project was an outstanding experience for all students involved..they gained from it both artistically and by increasing their knowledge of the environment and the ocean." Jo Loyn Teacher Kingsbridge Community College .
|
