Around the same time as I began to think of the text as a potential production for the New Vic I saw Upswing Aerial at the Decibel Festival in Birmingham. Their piece, Loved Up, was a taster of a work in progress: a dynamic piece of aerial dance. I’d seen aerialists working before, but always under full performance conditions, where the counterweighters and technology is hidden out of sight in the wings and the magic of the performer in space is what it’s about. I knew this couldn’t work for the New Vic – we’re in the round; there are no wings here. So what was exciting about seeing Upswing’s piece was it’s work-in-progress nature and the a studio it was performed in. No wings. So the counterweighters were in full view, and I was as excited by their relationship with the performers as I was by the performance itself.
I knew I’d found the solution to all those problem scenes. Aerial work be a great way to stage the physicality of horse riding. But watching it is exhilarating, and as a viewer you’re aware of the danger. Through it we could carry the theme of our central character’s desire to put herself in danger, seek thrills, excitement, and the sheer exhilaration of the journey she goes on.
I knew I’d need a session working in the New Vic’s auditorium, exploring what might work for us, and giving the rest of the team here a chance to see this unusual work in action. So tomorrow, Upswing’s Artistic Director Vicki Amedume will bring some of her team along to meet us and spend two days working in the New Vic’s auditorium.
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