New circus theatre company Oddly Moving, is retelling the Greek myth of Atlas this spring. But not in the way you might expect. This show uses an eclectic mix of circus, autobiographical storytelling, physical theatre, projections and object manipulation. And shines a light on the individual; looking at the personal burden of what-ifs, joys, regrets and turning points.
Atlas was condemned by Zeus and forced to hold up the heavens for all eternity. As he struggled with this magnificent burden, no other choice was available to him. Oddly Moving’s hour-long show looks at how we each manage the weight upon our shoulders by drawing on the personal stories of three circus performers. What happens if they let go?
Atlas tells the story of a titan armed with nothing more than the intense physicality of circus skills, plastic toy animals, sandbags, golden apples and buckets full of wit and charm. For the show, Oddly Moving have built a website called ‘Share your story’ to gather personal stories about people’s mental health and wellbeing. These stories inform the narrative and are available to listen to online.
Oddly Moving on tour
Atlas is produced by Turtle Key Arts and directed by Charlotte Mooney of Ockham’s Razor, and is Oddly Moving’s second show. This latest tour follows on from their successful UK tour of debut show He Ain’t Heavy.
Company director Grania Pickard is also running Autobiographical Devising Workshops relating to the themes of Atlas for young adults at each venue. The workshops integrate resilience-building exercises, with training from Off The Record (OTR), a youth mental health charity.
For more eclectic theatre shows, head over here!
When: On until 3rd June 2022
Where: Circomedia in Bristol, Jacksons Lane in London, Connaught Theatre in Worthing, Artsdepot in London and Proteus Theatre in Basingstoke
£: Ticket prices vary, depending on the venue
More info: www.oddlymoving.co.uk
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