Outdoor performance at Bath allotments
Kilter Theatre, a sustainable theatre group, tonight kicks off its low-carbon tour of 4 allotment sites in the Bath and Bristol area. Roots Replanted, an open air performance which investigates the issues of food security in a post-oil world, starts tonight at 7.30pm at St. Werberg's Farm in Bristol, and arrives at Bath allotments next week.
Commissioned by the University of Bath’s ICIA (Institute for Contemporary Interdisciplinary Arts), Kilter has adapted last year's runaway success, Roots, which sold out at the Bath Organic Group Community Allotments in the 2009 Bath Fringe Festival. Oliver Langdon, Joint Director of Kilter, said “Last year’s show was so successful in inspiring people to explore their relationships with food and the land that we had 75% of audiences committing to more sustainable behaviour there and then.”
Caroline Garland, Joint Director of Kilter goes on to explain how this year's performances will be even greener:
“We are on a mission to not only inspire sustainability with the content of our shows but to create a sustainable theatre practise for ourselves. Audiences travel from far and wide to see us and these journeys contribute heavily to our carbon footprint. This year we have decided to scatter the seeds of change more widely by devising a sustainable touring model so we can travel further afield. We will travel on foot, bicycle and public transport to craft four bespoke productions in one month.”
As usual the company will use recycled props, sets and costumes and all performances will take place in the open air, without electric lights or amplification. Some scenes will shelter in the company’s trademark set, created entirely from recycled materials found on each site.
Even elements of the script will be found on site as Kilter will host a series of public sessions for people to contribute anecdotal reminiscences about their local site. “It’s invaluable to Kilter that the community get involved,” said Oliver. “The shed will be a focus point, with work from a local artist exhibited during performance weeks to encourage day-time visitors”.
Tour Dates:
Performance Times for all sites: Thurs to Sat at 7.30pm, Sat & Sun at 2.30pm
2 – 5 Sept
St Werburgh’s City Farm, Boiling Wells, Bristol BS2 9YJ
9 – 12 Sept
Hampton Row Allotments, Bathwick, Bath BA2 6QS
16 – 19 Sept
Peasedown St John Community Farm, Dunkerton Hill BA2 8PJ
23 – 26 Sept
Bloomfield Allotments, Bear Flat, Bath BA2 2AB
Tickets are priced at £9 (Concessions £7) and are on sale from ICIA’s Box Office 01225 386777.
Advance booking advisable via ICIA Box Office 01225 386777
Ideal for all ages from 12 upwards.
www.bath.ac.uk/icia · www.kiltertheatre.org
Roots Replanted is being supported by Arts Council England Grants for the Arts and Quartet Community Foundation.
Kilter’s previous work with ICIA: As part of the Bath Fringe Festival, Kilter staged Back on Track along the Bath Bristol cycle-track in 2008. Audiences followed on bicycles as Kilter performed en route, inspired by stories of the old railway path. In 2007 they presented Remote Patrol in Bath Abbey Cemetery, Widcombe, where their promenade performance brought a forgotten wilderness to life.
Kilter Theatre Workshops:
Kilter will also be running free theatre workshops after the Roots Replanted tour. The company offers 25 places to those who want to find out about Kilter’s process. It is open to all - the only requirement is to know the company’s work. Book via ICIA, various dates & venues in October. Check www.kiltertheatre.org for more details.
Praise for Kilter’s work
Remote Patrol 2007:
"That's fringe theatre! ... spectacularly atmospheric. It wasn't preachy; it dealt primarily in images, leaving you to make what you wanted of them. Magic” ****"
Venue Magazine
Kilter is a sustainable theatre company that includes experienced theatre practitioners and professionals in the field of sustainable development. They specialise in creating site-specific, devised theatre that engages audiences in issues on the environment, social justice and English heritage in Bath and surrounding area. www.kiltertheatre.org
