The Language of Kindness is a joy-filled celebration of nurses and front-line healthcare workers that’s currently touring parts of the UK. It’s a dance-theatre piece that will resonate with many of us through this COVID-19 pandemic.
Wayward Productions’ new work is based on Christie Watson’s bestselling memoir of her twenty years as a nurse. The Language of Kindness brings to life the realities, the challenges, heartbreaks and incomparable joys of working for the NHS and supporting families as they face their best and worst moments.
The Language of Kindness is adapted and directed by Sasha Milavic Davies (Movement Direction: The Antipodes, National Theatre; Berberian Sound Studio, Donmar Warehouse) and James Yeatman (There is a Light that Never Goes Out: Scenes from the Luddite Rebellion, Royal Exchange Theatre; Dinomania, New Diorama Theatre).
It’s been two years in the making and is now premiering at theatres, with the extra challenges that come from our current way of life. However, co-creators Milavic Davies and Yeatman, have come up with a socially distanced production that delivers a high impact. It’s a bold ensemble piece about the tactile work of nurses, yet the cast never touch.
Where to watch The Language of Kindness
Following its short run at Warwick Arts Centre, it will tour to Tunbridge Wells’ Assembly Hall Theatre. It will have its final stop at Shoreditch Town Hall in London. In addition to the tour, on Wednesday 19th May and Wednesday 2nd June, The Language of Kindness will hold a free open dress rehearsal for NHS workers and secondary school students.
The ensemble cast includes Tina Chiang (Chimerica), Etta Fusi (Cannibals, Royal Exchange Theatre), Tamzin Griffin (The ABC Murders), Keziah Joseph (Mr Gum and the Dancing Bear, National Theatre), Clive Mendus (Othello, RSC) and Harriet Webb (I May Destroy You).
The original run of The Language of Kindness was cancelled when COVID-19 hit. So, Wayward Productions channelled their energy and the spirit of the piece into commemorating the historic moment by conducting interviews with frontline health workers, recording testimony throughout Covid-19. This was initially developed into the BBC Culture in Quarantine Radio 3 commission Shifts. And Wayward will continue to expand this audio library.
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When: Touring until 12th June 2021
Where: Warwick, Tunbridge Wells and London
£: Tickets prices vary, depending on the venue
More info: www.waywardproductions.co.uk/the-language-of-kindness
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