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The background to Romany Wood
Beshlie's children's book Romany Wood about a community of woodland animals was adapted some time ago by David Carr and David Gaukroger, who created a wonderful narrative choral re-telling of the story that they intended to be performed in aid of the Romany Wood Charitable Trust.
When I was approached by Desmond Kelly the Artistic Director of Elmhurst Ballet School about making a ballet version of the story I was immediately taken with the concept and had a great many ideas of how it could be translated into a dance performance. I was also hugely excited to have an opportunity to choreograph on the fantastically talented young dancers at Elmhurst who I felt confident would be perfect for portraying Romany Wood's characters.
The music for the ballet, unlike the original, will be performed without a choir. This has necessitated some changes to David Gaukroger's score and also to David Carr's lyrics and narration, both of whom were happy to oblige. The original story is structured as a series of episodes which I have used as the backbone of the love story of Trollon and Esmerelda, and their friends Mrs Weries, Parson Plush and Liplop the Hare. The piece has been choreographed during a three-week period with two hours each day spent in the studio developing the movement language of the characters.
Having worked with Helen Fownes-Davies on previous productions she was my first choice for costume designer. She has created costumes based on Beshlie's original illustrations that really help to bring these chracaters to life, as well as being suitable for dance.
KIT HOLDER
February 2009
Beshlie's children's book Romany Wood about a community of woodland animals was adapted some time ago by David Carr and David Gaukroger, who created a wonderful narrative choral re-telling of the story that they intended to be performed in aid of the Romany Wood Charitable Trust.
When I was approached by Desmond Kelly the Artistic Director of Elmhurst Ballet School about making a ballet version of the story I was immediately taken with the concept and had a great many ideas of how it could be translated into a dance performance. I was also hugely excited to have an opportunity to choreograph on the fantastically talented young dancers at Elmhurst who I felt confident would be perfect for portraying Romany Wood's characters.
The music for the ballet, unlike the original, will be performed without a choir. This has necessitated some changes to David Gaukroger's score and also to David Carr's lyrics and narration, both of whom were happy to oblige. The original story is structured as a series of episodes which I have used as the backbone of the love story of Trollon and Esmerelda, and their friends Mrs Weries, Parson Plush and Liplop the Hare. The piece has been choreographed during a three-week period with two hours each day spent in the studio developing the movement language of the characters.
Having worked with Helen Fownes-Davies on previous productions she was my first choice for costume designer. She has created costumes based on Beshlie's original illustrations that really help to bring these chracaters to life, as well as being suitable for dance.
KIT HOLDER
February 2009