The Lovepet

on

The Lovepet: an aerial dance poem... 

Choreographed by Robyn Simpson

The Lovepet was created and performed with a cast of nineteen dancers, aerialists and actors. The 45-min show was inspired by the poetry of Ted Hughes and Sylvia Plath.

...Delving into the highs and lows of a tumultuous relationship between poets Ted Hughes and Sylvia Plath through an exploration of pivotal moments that can define a lifetime. 

'He wanted a mother of halva.
She wanted the hill-stream tabula rasa. 
He wanted the
thread-end of
himself.
So they ransacked each other'
Folktale – Ted Hughes
We fall, we drop, we fly. We can reach, and be caught; sometimes we catch hold of another person; sometimes we connect, there is intimacy... Sometimes we miss each other all together. 

Bungee and static line duets, low flying vertical dance, corde lisse, dance, film, animation and text are used to explore internal and external dynamics of relationships.




Music
Gallo Ciego by El Desquite
Temptation by Alcazaba
Asp by Iain Grandage, performed by Wood
Pan’s Labyrinth Lullaby by Javier Navarrete
Finale:
John Metcalfe (Otama, Undertow, A whole day nearer)
Underscore composition by Sebastian Willan

Poems
Ted Hughes: The Lovepet
Folktale
Bride and Groom Lie Hidden for Three Days
Sylvia Plath: The Lady and the Earthenware Head


Huge thank you to:
The cast - Jenny Atwood, Tim Baggaley, Osmund Bullock, Emma Brunton, Geny Caloisi, Graeme Clint, Jono Fee, Simon Fee, Joe Garcia, Victoria Hammond, Catriona Johnston, Loz, Alice MacKenzie, Greville Matthews, Beatrice Perini, Clare Plested, Hannah Shepherd, Hian Ruth Voon.

Sky Neal – film maker / co-direction
Mark Morreaux - animation and photography
Mike Dixon – music editing
Sebastian Willan - additional sound
Loz – costume and make-up designer
Clare Elliott - photography
Kim Harris & Stuart Horrod – flyer design: H&H Design
Alex & Nick – rigging and space support / The Hangar Arts Trust & Aircraft Circus
Azographics Grays Inn Rd - flyer printing
Stage events – shoes

Extra thanks to Will Cleary – rigging support, Genevieve Wilkins (music advice), Michele Laine (outside eye), Mike Toon (technical support), Kathryn and Claire (HAT), Mark Perin (rigging).