Footsbarn Theatre returns to its roots

Babs Walker
Authored by Babs Walker
Posted: Monday, October 1, 2012 - 12:33pm

One of the most thrilling and influential theatre companies to emerge out of the South West made a welcome return to its roots at the end of September, when internationally acclaimed Footsbarn Travelling Theatre performed the Indian Tempest at Exeter's Northcott Theatre to rave reviews.

 

Having studied The Tempest as part of my Drama degree at University, I was intrigued to see how this multi-cultural, rich and evocative reworking would play out, and I was not to be disappointed. The overwhelming response from the opening night audience was a feeling that we were in the privileged position of witnessing a first-rate theatre production to compete with if not outdo any in London, and the fact that Exeter was one of only two UK venues to be included on the European tour added to the appeal. With a strong flavour of Kerala, the play is set on a timeless imaginary island – a world of spirits, shapes and monsters where music rules everything. It brings together magic and illusion, desire and romantic love, dreams and ambition, as well as treachery and torment – all with more than a dash of comedy. 

Known for its heady mix of traditional performing arts, street theatre, circus skills, mime, shadow play and carnival – Footsbarn has established a strong reputation as one of the world’s most ingenious touring troupes. We were reminded on the night that a couple of the cast members also performed the last time Footsbarn came to the Northcott 25 years ago. The play's director, Paddy Hayter, was also warmly welcomed back, as he returned to his roots at the Northcott.

 

Footsbarn Travelling Theatre is one of the world’s leading touring companies, performing for the most part in circus big tops, but also in theatres across the world. They are renowned for their exciting adaptations of classics such as Shakespeare and Moliere and for transcending the barrier of language with their unique blend of visual theatre, music and magic. 

 

In thirty five years, Footsbarn has produced nearly 60 plays and travelled to all six continents as a truly multi-national group. Their actors possess a multiplicity of talents and theatrical techniques, all of which inhabit and enrich every one of their performances. 

 

The show which held first rehearsals in Kerala, in January of this year, will then return to India for a countrywide tour, before more European dates including the Globe Theatre in 2013. The show was created as part of GUIMARÃES 2012 (European Capital of Culture).

 

For more information about Footsbarn visit www.footsbarn.com or for upcoming productions at the Northcott visit www.exeternorthcott.co.uk

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Venue

The Northcott Theatre

Event Date

Wednesday, September 26, 2012 - 7:45pm

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