SCHOOL children in Sunderland were among the first guests to experience a spectacular community performance to celebrate the opening of one of the North East’s new cultural gems.
HOME, devised by the innovative dance company, Southpaw, featured live performance, immersive visuals and powerful storytelling.
An audience of school children from St Anthony’s Girls’ Catholic Academy were treated to the first performance which saw dozens of community participants perform alongside Southpaw Company’s professional dancers in the multi-purpose venue, Culture House, to mark its opening.
The children were enthralled by HOME which saw dancers in different rooms, in windows and on the spiral staircase of the new building. Children followed the story of Lyra, a young woman born in Sunderland who achieves her dream of becoming an astronaut following encouragement by her late father to reach for the stars and ‘look up’.
Kate Stebbing, an English teacher at St Anthony’s who coordinates the school’s SHINE-funded project, said the production was ‘fantastic’ with ‘wonderful, stand-out performances.’
“For many students, the arts give them an opportunity to shine. They can express themselves and be inspired, so watching a show like HOME, and having the Culture House here in Sunderland, was very empowering. We can raise aspirations while giving children a sense of belonging.”
Local people who had taken part in HOME included Elaine Ferguson, 74, who has been going along to Southpaw’s AMPLIFY classes, its community performance programme, for years.
“It’s been great being a part of the performance. It’s always challenging but that’s a good thing. I love the fun of it and the camaraderie with the other performers. We’re all friends together and we look after each other,” she said.
Fellow performer Kira Atkinson, 21, who also goes along to AMPLIFY classes, said: “Being part of the production is an amazing opportunity and after performing it with everyone I was left with such a buzz. I loved it.”
Mickey Odonnell, 34, added: “I thought the performance went really well. I really enjoyed the sharp, dynamic style of the choreography and the exciting energy that built throughout the piece, particularly in the finale.”
HOME was also performed to the public across the weekend (September 26 and 27) as part of Culture House’s opening celebrations.
Robby Graham, Artistic Director at Southpaw, said: “HOME was a beautiful way to celebrate the opening of such a wonderful building and we were very excited that we were chosen to be such a key part of the celebrations.”
Leanne Littlewood, Culture House Director, said: “HOME is a spectacular event and we couldn’t think of a better way to mark the opening of Culture House.”
The project is being funded by the UK Government as part of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund with thanks to the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority.