Wednesday 29 June 2016

Catch Up!

So much going on: and FB is getting all the notices and it is easier to upload many images onto so blog a little neglected!

However here we go:
*good meeting with Kiki Gale and she and i start work hopefully on 11th looking at short, mid and longterm funding and organisational work - thank you to Lesley-ann for coming along and helping it all happen
*on the behind the scenes our monthly business meetings are going well, thanks to all the team
* as are our trustees meetings and a new trustee waiting in the wings with different and complimentary skills and interests
*Victoria and i also meet nearly every week project co-ordination (and my brain is so grateful!) and all is going well - we are also doing a bit of sideways hatching of Shallal Sketchbooks again a dearly loved idea which Victoria can run with and Hennie also has had in her dream list so we will all meet very soon.
*Shallal Sketchbooks have had help from Anne Macakay and Lou Brett and now Victoria is spreading it out again and it feels right. It will be in our November Back Lane West residency and Falmouth library or art gallery next summer as part of Doorways.

*So my 'to do list' involves our new group at Liskerett Centre, Liskeard starting in September with well known dance artist Lois Taylor. I am looking forward to working with Lois. Michael can design us a poster and we will start getting the word out so people can free up their timetables to come along!
Thursdays 10.15am - 12.15pm

*and then dear old Back Lane West again
what a privilege and pleasure to have that space to fill! and I need to write a bid for it and contact all artists and dream and scheme a little... or a lot!

*email surprises this morning, wonderful visiting artists feedback from Steve Tanner ....
"As always a delight and pleasure to work with ‘The Shallal Team’ 
I hope to do more in the future, as the process is so accepting, non judgemental, refreshing, raw, encouraging and fulfilling.
Keep on doing what you do. It feels so rich and emotional for the participants that flows over to the audience."
What could we improve on? "I guess only with more support/money to push the work to get more people to see it."

*Press release/s - one successful for Sam's Show
http://www.falmouthpacket.co.uk/leisure/eventsguide/14582306.Sam_While_solo_show_at_Helston_Museum_Gallery/

hanging the show this Saturday
Shallal 2 showing work at it on Wednesday 6.15pm
Private view 6 - 8pm
6th July

Shallal 2 collected a wonderful body of work over the last few months but have had people in and out of sessions so a struggle with continuity, however we have gathered some pieces we like that work to show on Wednesday, and it all feels better now we have the order and had a rehearsal last night! - they are always worth watching!

We couldn't get a reporter so have collated our own press review for Doorways which we will publish here soon! 
dress rehearsal horse race by Steve Tanner
Galloping George, Peter, Colin, Brian and Joseph!


Jerry came to give us the Rotary Cheque, photo on Facebook.

This week Falmouth Library, Dean Evans kindly visiting again, and Gyllyngdune Garden

15th filming on the Newlyn Art Gallery steps

then 22nd Tough Dough workshop


Playfest 
4th August
I am learning so much from the Pop Ups, testing and stretching improv and audiences
Mazey Day
Eddie and Demelza developing into character acting - especially in cafe,
Colin and Peter such clowns! wonderful interactions with passing families, motorists etc
and i still love the more edgy movement stuff, Colin and Peter just lay on a bench at Mazey day and many commented!
Joseph can come to Playfest so all change again... 

Express Yourself 
go from strength to strength and it's always a joy to cover for Debs and work with them, they are developing more and more confidence with Colin in improv and performance for Sharing and Showing their work- another coming soon!

Oh and we want to make a short documentary for next years PDSW film festival featuring Trevor,
"Short Dance Film Competition by Pavilion Dance South West for films featuring mature dancers, to celebrate dance film, older people dancing and to share amazing work from across the globe. "
and i had a good meeting recently with Zannah Doan from PDSW.

Catch Up!

So much going on: and FB is getting all the notices and it is easier to upload many images onto so blog a little neglected!

However here we go:
*good meeting with Kiki Gale and she and i start work hopefully on 11th looking at short, mid and longterm funding and organisational work - thank you to Lesley-ann for coming along and helping it all happen
*on the behind the scenes our monthly business meetings are going well, thanks to all the team
* as are our trustees meetings and a new trustee waiting in the wings with different and complimentary skills and interests
*Victoria and i also meet nearly every week project co-ordination (and my brain is so grateful!) and all is going well - we are also doing a bit of sideways hatching of Shallal Sketchbooks again a dearly loved idea which Victoria can run with and Hennie also has had in her dream list so we will all meet very soon.
*Shallal Sketchbooks have had help from Anne Macakay and Lou Brett and now Victoria is spreading it out again and it feels right. It will be in our November Back Lane West residency and Falmouth library or art gallery next summer as part of Doorways.

*So my 'to do list' involves our new group at Liskerett Centre, Liskeard starting in September with well known dance artist Lois Taylor. I am looking forward to working with Lois. Michael can design us a poster and we will start getting the word out so people can free up their timetables to come along!
Thursdays 10.15am - 12.15pm

*and then dear old Back Lane West again
what a privilege and pleasure to have that space to fill! and I need to write a bid for it and contact all artists and dream and scheme a little... or a lot!

*email surprises this morning, wonderful visiting artists feedback from Steve Tanner ....
"As always a delight and pleasure to work with ‘The Shallal Team’ 
I hope to do more in the future, as the process is so accepting, non judgemental, refreshing, raw, encouraging and fulfilling.
Keep on doing what you do. It feels so rich and emotional for the participants that flows over to the audience."
What could we improve on? "I guess only with more support/money to push the work to get more people to see it."

*Press release/s - one successful for Sam's Show
http://www.falmouthpacket.co.uk/leisure/eventsguide/14582306.Sam_While_solo_show_at_Helston_Museum_Gallery/

hanging the show this Saturday
Shallal 2 showing work at it on Wednesday 6.15pm
Private view 6 - 8pm
6th July

Shallal 2 collected a wonderful body of work over the last few months but have had people in and out of sessions so a struggle with continuity, however we have gathered some pieces we like that work to show on Wednesday, and it all feels better now we have the order and had a rehearsal last night! - they are always worth watching!

We couldn't get a reporter so have collated our own press review for Doorways which we will publish here soon! 
dress rehearsal horse race by Steve Tanner
Galloping George, Peter, Colin, Brian and Joseph!


Jerry came to give us the Rotary Cheque, photo on Facebook.

This week Falmouth Library, Dean Evans kindly visiting again, and Gyllyngdune Garden

15th filming on the Newlyn Art Gallery steps

then 22nd Tough Dough workshop


Playfest 
4th August
I am learning so much from the Pop Ups, testing and stretching improv and audiences
Mazey Day
Eddie and Demelza developing into character acting - especially in cafe,
Colin and Peter such clowns! wonderful interactions with passing families, motorists etc
and i still love the more edgy movement stuff, Colin and Peter just lay on a bench at Mazey day and many commented!
Joseph can come to Playfest so all change again... 

Express Yourself 
go from strength to strength and it's always a joy to cover for Debs and work with them, they are developing more and more confidence with Colin in improv and performance for Sharing and Showing their work- another coming soon!

Oh and we want to make a short documentary for next years PDSW film festival featuring Trevor,
"Short Dance Film Competition by Pavilion Dance South West for films featuring mature dancers, to celebrate dance film, older people dancing and to share amazing work from across the globe. "
and i had a good meeting recently with Zannah Doan from PDSW.


.
  and a press release just written


Thursday 23 June 2016

Audience Feedback from Doorways performance at Godolphin

Some spontaneous feedback

well done Jo and team what an achievement - its was fantastic.  Incredible experience and what an audience!  I could really see how well it was all supported - wonderful. 

best
Barbara

Barbara Santi
awen productions CIC, Director | Producer

Godolphin was absolutely brilliant we thought, the best Shallal production weve seen and great that so many people came to watch,
Lin and Ian While

company end of session group bow at dress rehearsal
photo Steve Tanner
http://www.stevetanner.co.uk/


Questionnaires
written responses below
We had 70 returned, thank you to all responded, 
if you didn't at the time you can still fill in the questionnaire on


6. Were there any barriers to attending the event?
not to far to walk and good amenities
i had a lift
local position, easy to park, beautiful setting
walking and not knowing

8. Did you enjoy the event?
Wonderful concept - very moving
It was beautiful inclusive creative
wonderful - so inclusive


9. Why?
lovely people, lovely music, lovely place, lovely story, lovely atmosphere
everyone was so happy
it was magical and looked lovely
wonderful
The play was moving ( not in the least sentimental, funny, and very professional.
very evocative
I found it moving, loved the veils tableau, dancing music, inclusive of all.
uplifting, fun
It really moved me
Impressive emotional content
Loved seeing our daughter perform
wonderful Shallal!
so focused
it broke boundaries
wonderful performance- very moving
It was very moving, creative and entertaining with lovely music
Shallal lets us see what beautiful things people can do. No barriers.
Variety of humour, serious, costume, great inclusive
So impressed by how you bring out the expression from your friends (totally unexpected on house visit from Australia)
Fantastic dancing and perfect setting
because of the inclusion aspect
inclusive and fluid
Celebrating the Natural History of my Ancestors
so high quality
informative and well acted
creativity and team work
The monologue was ongoing, the venue very special
It was different and very expressive
beautiful setting, great interpretation, fantastic theme
combination of music and dance in beautiful setting
different
it all fitted so beautifully- music and movement all
ALWAYS UNIQUE
interactive/entertaining
had everything sad funny emotional
great to see such an inclusive show
It showed fantastic talent
so moving, lovely music. Well done all
Everyone worked so hard despite any disabilities
beautiful music, beautiful to see them in this setting
much more wonderful to see this group rather than professionals in this space
the dancers moved beautifully
It was exquisitely beautiful
the expressions/movement spoke volumes
Because the dancing was good and the acting as well
inventive and inclusive
It was inspirational
entertaining and inclusive
UPLIFTING
Beautiful. inspiring!
made me cry lovely
beautiful venue, beautiful dancing, mesmerising and funny
so innovative and moving

10. Did the Event highlight any local heritage themes for you?
yes a lot 11. never been here before
Being an old manor house enhanced the performance
never been here, liked the connectivity
Unable to put the energy into words
it shows what Godolphin House would be like in the past
stories of Godolphin
Ancient Doorways and Architecture
Bal maidens and mining - a local tradition
wonderful to embrace Cornish heritage
Godolphin a great venue
Themes throughout the show and songs highlighted different relevant historic events
I havent been to Godolphin before
It is an old house
story of Lady Godolphin
History of Godolphin House
Godolphin


11. Please explain
They used the site beautiful. They made it more attractive
History of the house
Not always sure what it was all about but all was so enchanting
Conjured up feeling of the past ( i.e. Pre- WW1) and the value of artefacts which go with it.
Sir William Godolphion died when he fell off his horse
Conjured up a vision of times gone by
history of mining, Godolphin house history
yes a little 10. a bit go Godolphin History was included
great music original dances
The buildings history
Godolphin History - possible version
story of godolphin
local heritage
Godolphin House History, Mining above and below stairs
learning about history of Godolphin
History of Godolphin family
made me aware of the history of Godolphin House
never knew this place existed
mutual support and publicity
Lady Godolphin a joy
needed to know background
History of Godolphin House
not sure- arrived after it started
unexpected story telling
encouraging to see that people with special needs have the opportunity to express themselves
unsure what they are


12. Did the Shallal event enhance your experience of the location?
They brought histories to life
weather /situation
See per war quote,brought house to life in a gentle convincing way, Far more vivid /convincing/authoritative than Living History
seeting and costume relating to the period
enhanced experience of location
very atmospheric
stories - it brought the building to life in a magical way

13. Please explain
Gave the dance a context
superb place
its utterly beautiful
a great venue
PERFECT- BEST EVER
yes a little 12. know the place well
Enhanced tales of the location
Outside experience, garden, trees against house, sunshine and shade.
Perfect back drop for a great inclusive event
It was a lovely experience
Brought some life to the area
wonderful grand setting
Brought it alive
it is beautiful -  here would like to return
Right People, Right Place,  Right Time
reminded me of Glormangast
lovely relaxed event
The utmost respect shown to the buildings and surroundings
references
The house and those who lived in it came to life. It was a haunting experience
new place for us (were other end of Cornwall)
great use of the space, will definitely come alive for me, make next visit
very complimentary to the environment
such a backdrop lent towards all movement etc
house /pillars /garden whole area
The columns and brickwork gave an excellent backdrop. Sitting on a circle was excellent
a wonderful setting
Felt we were not alone ( Eileen Herzberg was here)
brilliant location beautiful setting
topics gave some perspective
The performance totally suited the environment
The pillars raised entrance and green circle
It was very clever
special sunny beautiful
Lovely walk through the woods
Godolphin House

14. Did the event enable you to increase your understanding of inclusive arts?
 I had never considered inclusion to dance
so inclusive
know bit more of what can be achieved 
yes a little 
well used to it


 15. Please explain
They were so professional and talented.
As always!
Not sure reply 14. I am an ex-professional theatre, then start Falmouth School of art and lead not best word but something like that - where we have two handicapped regular dances
Working together all ages and abilities creative.
Always need to see these events in person to fully understand
So full of talent
it epitomised inclusivity
incredible diversity
It was wonderful to see all the performers together as equal
I alreadty understand inclusive arts but its always a joy to see and have it reinforced
yes increased understanding of inclusive arts
The interaction between able and lessable was inspiring
loved the way able worked with less able
Too much write here
already familiar
First time with expressive dancing
awareness of different levels of ability/mobility etc working collaboratively
Visually see people with a disability but in the performance their disability is almost invisible How it should be
can see what can be achieved
Everyone being equal and able
As i havent experienced many inclusive arts events - only Echoes dance co . very much enjoyed it and want to thank the cast for their hard work and professionalism :)
Everyone regardless of availability played an integral and important part
Enhanced knowledge. Great to see all involved
my wife runs an inclusive cornish dance co. it shows people who wouldnt have a chance to perform in public
just love seeing everyone together exploring universal themes of humanity - we are all the same at heart
I was particularly moved by the performance of 2 paralysed women. Incredibly beautiful
nothing can prevent expression from the soul
everyone all abilities to a high standard
Shallal are always inclusive exemplary
cast members including with learning difficulties

16. Would you come to a Shallal event again?
Absolutely
Enjoyed it very much
Enjoyable to watch
Its rare to see inclusive arts so often the performances are for the converted not the public
to support and encourage
It was very unusual and to support people we know ( Apex and Creative Brain)
if in area and available
we dont live in the area
if i have a lift with a friend


17. Any other comments
Very moving
wonderful
wonderful
such a worthwhile experience for both cast and audience
Full of admiration. Worthwhile. Keep up the fight( which it must be) despite philistine un-imaginative government
Shame it was only one performance at Godolphin House
FANTASTIC!
It is great that NT are onboard with this project - may there be more at Godolphin  and other NT venues.
wonderful
45 min good length Variety of song and spoken word. Variety of dance. Loved the horses
best show yet
Best Shallal show in along time
Thank you
What an amazing charity!
Great direction and management choreography in keeping with Shallal and funding
Looking forward to next one
Thank you for an amazing show
Excellent!
was as unexpected addition to the day, so very pleasing PL17 8PH
well done!!
well done
Thank you
very good - inspiring- sorry missed first half
very enjoyable
we enjoyed the performance
All beautiful. Thank you.
thought it was brilliant
Bravo Brilliant
It was an amazing production and both fun and moving. We had tears at the end.
Keep going
more please
Really enjoyed the whole show, fantastic!
Well done to all involved
Thank you for a truly lovely experience
It was very good and i enjoyed it a lot
Congratulations on a superb performance
need clipboards to rest this form on or pens! needs more organising
loved it

it was all so lovely

Thursday 16 June 2016

Pop Ups start today!

Back to Holifield today, now a regular slot in our calender and their line up sounds great this year, every year at the end of the day we say "Next year we will camp, shake out those bell tents and stay on!"
However this year it's work again tomorrow, the really nice part of it! our first visit to St Austell Festival, which we are looking forward to and in conversation with Annette, we hope it will be the first of many, and with potential for engaging with artists in that area in the future.
(Our Feast Doorways outreach funding saw us recently at Blantyre Day Centre and in September plans are a foot for Shallal 2 to start R & D for a project with Wheal Martyn Museum http://www.wheal-martyn.com/.)

A while ago i was musing on the 3 strands of work in the main co: Projects, Commissions and our own Artistic investigations. We have them all close now, which is unusual: Doorways a project a long time in coming and now happily underway, Alice in Wonderland an outreach commission, Pop Ups building on our own Artistic Research last year.
I am looking forward to the Pop Ups. Originally designed with Joseph, Colin and Demelza, the first trial day out it extended to Katie ( Cross Currents Residency). Now it encompasses, Eddie and Peter as Katie and Joseph are unexpectedly very booked up this summer, but are available for some of them.
Ben and Brian went out with Jo Lumber on Friday - a new team we hope we can try out today, and Zo will join us with Katie tomorrow.



Peter left and Brian middle below are both strong in the moment performers and so we are pleased to have them with us in this style.



When we first started we received a lot of 'busking ' style invitations to outdoor charity events, Mazey Day etc. Which were really fun, they allow you to meet people who won't step inside a theatre to see you, after watching, bumping into the work, they often come up to talk and tell you they like it are moved/entertained by the performance.
It depends a lot on the style of performer you have with you and when we restarted Phil who is a lovely humourous engaging performer had had enough of outdoor 'busking,' no -one else was too keen so we hung up our hats for a while and it is now nice to be outdoors more again and this time with a mobile light weight interactive style.

Hope to see you soon!
details on: http://www.shallal.org.uk/pop-ups.html

Thanks to Belinda who brought over Tom to meet and chat yesterday, Tom is an interesting dancer who likes improvisation and has worked with many different groups, he may move down to Cornwall, "welcome" to him and hope we may work together soon.

Jack ( trumpet player ) hopes to come along to sessions, Delpha ( artist and accordion player ) will drop in and next week is music improv in the afternoon, bring along instruments and see what happens! and who knows Jess from Exeter and Get Changed Theatre co has said she would like to visit us sometime with her sitar!


Tuesday 7 June 2016

News and Alice again!

So much going on:
Lelsey-anne and Colin are representing Shallal at Creative Placemaking in Penzance, at The Exchange  on Thursday evening.
The event starts at 6.30 (doors open at 6).Tim Hubbard, formerly of the BBC, will be the compere for the evening.
"Shallal studios is an exciting and totally inclusive approach to arts that offers a new way of thinking about creative place making in Penzance." 


Alice is unavailable, replaced and then restored in one day in Get Changed Theatre Co's fast moving rehearsals..the joy yesterday of a stunning duet by Suzie and David showing their talent and potential, however not sure the Queen and Mad Hatter can integrate a duet into the new show --we shall see!
 I am learning a lot, transferring skills and Shallal's process to a talented theatre co. It was good to have Demelza along yesterday and we have two more days to go then the show on Saturday and Sunday! Thank you to Jules, Philip and team for warm welcome and fun!
Come along and see what part Demelza eventually plays!


Invitation to be part of "fun" research at Falmouth University http://www.culturalminds.co.uk/volunteer.html

Pop Ups coming soon new page with info on our website!
Thanks to Feast for funding this.
http://www.shallal.org.uk/pop-ups.html

It has been exciting watch the installations at Godolphin and trace those back through Shallal Studio residencies and back to our Arts Council funded 2iis research and development project some years ago now! Exciting conversation with Victoria and we may hope to revive the Shallal Sketchbooks from that time and last week i was inspired by the beauty and simplicity of Nigel's final show ( he helped us at 2iis) more on Studio blog!

Zoe Osmond gave a wonderful recital on Monday, which i sadly missed, but she has shared some new music with me and we hope she will perform playing her violin within Shallal 2's next show.

Collating feedback from Doorways which we will blog some of soon. Very pleased with how it all came together, well done again to everyone who made it possible!
Onwards to visiting Falmouth Library for Doorways r & d on July 1st and dear Passmore Edwards, looking forward to that work. Think we may need to do moving performance so as not to block the space for too long, lovely entrance and stairwell to play with and the friendly Falmouth Art Gallery above as well.

And returning to visual arts: do look at these http://nigelmaynard.weebly.com/2016---abstractions.html
more info on Studio blog: http://www.shallalstudios.com/blog

Show and Alice


"Congratulations again on the lovely show, it was brilliant!"
audience member from Shallal 2!

Well done everyone who enabled the show to be such a success, including those who supported and performed  in the first one in 2012!
This one was very different in the themes the co chose to highlight! and yet still contained 4 pieces from the first one including the joyful solo from Zoe and poem (now poems) of Elaine, as well as new pieces to the music of Roger Pinsent and Rory's wordscapes. It was a joy to have Jack perform the trumpet solo and to have new members enjoying the wonderful 'stage' of the entrance to the house, with it's"half open door" - the name of one of my favourite pieces. The Duchess, the horse race and flowers ....all increased interaction with the audience, a nice mix of old and new faces and 170+ of them, all baking in the sun which we weren't sure ( when the day started ) would smile on us.

More quotes and comments to come soon.
Victoria and i are looking forward to collating all the feedback/evaluation forms on Monday, lots of responses from artists involved by email already and the company feedback next Friday.

Demelza and i are off next week to join Get Changed Theatre co for their last week of rehearsals, we are also working with Shallal friend and MAP facilitator Philip Robinson...