The production takes us through their life choices as physical artists and women, and how they navigate getting older in a career and a culture which idolises youth. In the wake of London 2012 where athletic bodies, strength and physical challenge were the darlings of the national media the piece takes a wry and poignant look at what happens once that strength and spotlight have faded.
Profoundly moving and engaging, with beautiful aerial choreography, WHITW is performed by Lindsey Butcher and Ann Dickie and is based on their real life stories of love, loss and performance. It has been created with acclaimed theatre director Gemma Fairlie, and with text by Sonia Hughes.
Upswing is a multi-disciplinary circus company that uses circus in the most theatrical ways. Shows have explored old skool hip hop and young love, through African mythology to an Olympic descent of Nelson’s column. The aerial and circus world of Upswing is poignant, unpredictable, and eloquent.
The production is accompanied by a series of participatory sessions that invite older members of the audience to explore circus skills in workshops. Upswing has always engaged with marginalised groups through circus skills and carried out research for WHITW through a programme of work in partnership with Entelechy Arts, working with groups of older people.
Created in association with ARC in Stockton-on-Tees and the Albany in London, with the support of Arts Council England and the Hangar Arts Trust.
• Upswing presents what Happens in the Winter at ARC on Thur 21 & Fri 22 Mar at 7.30pm (Thur) & 2.30pm (Fri). Tickets are priced F: £10 C: £8 and can be purchased here.