Associate Artist Shallal Dance Theatre.
Dean Evans has enlightened the county about ordinary Blackwater boy
turned philanthropist, John Passmore Edwards.
Dean's fascination and enthusiasm for bringing the achievements of
this man into public conscience has both widened knowledge and
brought people together.
Dean's selfless engagement has been extensive; he's researched John Passmore Edwards and written the book 'Funding The Ladder', he's helped fundraise for the restoration of Blackwater village hall, he's given numerous talks about his chosen topic. And is helping to give John Passmore Edwards the recognition he deserves; a man who used his money to enhance the lives of ordinary people through access to learning and enjoyment via free public libraries, and healthcare and support by funding convalescence homes and hospitals.
I met Dean several years ago when he first gave a talk for Shallal Dance Theatre. As an inclusive company we have a wide range of people with differing needs. Dean shared his knowledge with enthusiasm and warmth, in understandable language, with photographs and pictures to support his talk. Dean came across as a kind, gentle person, with great communication skills. Shallal created a performance entitled 'Ladders and Footprints' (using words from
Passmore Edwards quotes) in 2017. Initially a 'site specific' piece for
Falmouth Library it went on to be performed in numerous places
including
St Austell Library, Blackwater village hall, St Agnes Library, AMATA at
Tremough campus, plus extracts at Hall For Cornwall.
With 2023 being John Passmore Edwards' bicentenary year Shallal has continued the partnership with Dean. And we've gone big! The larger than life puppets of Mr and Mrs Passmore Edwards have been visiting towns throughout Cornwall, meeting folk with an oversized wave or handshake, whilst sharing the knowledge of this special Cornish couple. The puppets opened the 'The Ladder' in Redruth, a former Passmore Edwards free library now currently being restored and repurposed as a creative, community space. With banners created to share Passmore Edwards quotes and achievements, they then lead the procession and book chain to the current Redruth library.
They visited Falmouth Library for a community talk and afternoon cream tea. They joined the Mazey Day celebrations in Penzance, helped plant a commemorative tree at Newlyn Art Gallery (another Passmore Edwards building). They met people at Trevithick Day in Camborne and Murdoch Day in Redruth.
They even made it on to BBC Spotlight on what would have been John's
200th birthday!
All of this stemmed from our initial engagement with Dean. We have
written poetry, monologues and song lyrics. We have created artwork, physical comedy, poignant dance and movement, all connecting to
the life and work of John Passmore Edwards. We have gained
knowledge and enjoyed the process of interpretation, sharing with our
audiences and people at events in the streets of Cornwall.
I sometimes wonder what would happen if John Passmore Edwards and Dean had the opportunity to meet. I imagine they might both be overwhelmed by each others achievements. John, grateful for having his beliefs and ethos brought to attention at this present time, encouraging people to think about compassion in an ever challenging world.
Dean, perhaps a bit 'fan struck', thrilled to meet a real life hero and
excited to tell him about how he's keeping his name alive, not just
carved in stone but in spoken communication.
Two men who, in different times and different ways, are on the same
page.
So I'd like to celebrate Dean Evans, for his continued enthusiasm in celebrating Cornish philanthropist John Passmore Edwards, whilst bringing people together to learn, enjoy and engage.
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