Press Release

17/2/2006

Amu at Durham

Over 100 dancers from schools in the region appeared alongside professional dance artists in a premiere performance at Durham Cathedral last week.

Random Dance, Resident Company from Sadler’s Wells, brought its new full length work “Amu” (of the heart) to the region on Tuesday February 7, 2006 and were met with a rapturous response.

'Amu at Durham' was the culmination of a year long project between Creative Partnerships Durham Sunderland, Random Dance, Dance City and four local schools.

'Amu' is a collaborative work choreographed by internationally acclaimed choreographer, Wayne McGregor, Artistic Director of Random Dance and set to an original score by Sir John Tavener.
The inspiration for the piece came from work with heart imaging specialist Dr Philip Kilner and Dr Sonya Babu-Narayan. Images and sounds from the heart inform the work, in which the heart represents a symbol of humanity as well as an organ central to the life of each individual.

Young people from four schools in County Durham (Wolsingham School, Belmont Comprehensive, Oakley Cross and Middleton in Teesdale Primary) took part in a series of workshops throughout 2005, led by professional dance artists from two companies based at Dance City (Tin Productions and Falling Cat).

The performance work produced by the young people was incorporated into “Amu” to create a one-off adaptation performed by The Random dancers, the young people and the local dance practitioners.

Northern Sinfonia performed Sir John Tavener’s score live in the cathedral. Following on the back of the success of “Fashion at Belsay” international fashion designer Shelley Fox worked with the young performers to design and create the costumes for the final performance.

Sir John Tavener said:
'It was a very special evening. To hear my music in Durham Cathedral once again, and to watch Wayne's use of the wonderful talents of Random's dancers and the local children was very moving for me.'

Janet Archer, Chief Executive of Dance City said:
'Random’s Amu was one of the most prodigious events we have been involved in to date. It seemed to touch everyone involved at a deep and profound level. I sense that its impact will be long lasting and for some life changing.'

Andrew Dixon, Chief Executive of Newcastle Gateshead Initiative said:
'Random Dance and AMU will tour the world but I doubt they will find a venue anywhere to match the impact of Durham Cathedral. This was a world class event.'

Notes for editors

Creative Partnerships is a programme managed by Arts Council England, the national development agency for the arts in England. It gives children in 36 disadvantaged areas across England the opportunity to develop their creativity and their ambition by building partnerships between schools and creative organisations, businesses and individuals. Creative Partnerships aims to demonstrate the pivotal role creativity and creative people can play in transforming education in every curriculum subject for children of all ages and abilities.

Random Dance was established in 1992 and has gained an international reputation for their award winning, pioneering works. Now engaged with the intimate exploration of scientific practice as a resource for creation and performance Random Dance redraws the boundaries for the human body. Random Dance are well known for their education and community work which is recognised on a local, national and international level and they run several residencies a year alongside their touring schedule.

Contact details

For further information contact Maureen Dixon or Nicky Mamuji at White Hot Communications. Maureen Tel: 0777 328 3310 and Nicky Tel: 0784 142 3536