A couple of weeks ago, I went to see ‘As The World Tipped’ in Central Forest Park, Stoke-On-Trent. It was a free performance event as part of ‘Appetite’, a programme of arts events that took place in Stoke-On-Trent launched during the Summer. I hadn’t read much about the performance prior to going, only that it involved aerial stunts, perhaps circus-like, and acrobatics, and I’m glad that I didn’t really know much about it as it was completely unexpected in so, so many ways. The audience was mixed from couples to families, friends and teenagers, across the whole age range and I have a distinct feeling some people thought it might be more “for the kids” as such, but it was far from, and actually quite serious in content.
Set on a twelve-metre screen that started flat as a normal stage set moving vertically to become a performance wall, it combined theatre, choreographed dance and acrobatics with digitally projected visuals and film, confronting, with a clear narrative, the rapid rate of global change, specifically in relation to ecology and climate – an ecological crisis as such – including famine, war, natural disasters, poverty, loss and the fight for life. It was in part humorous by largely laced with hard-hitting emotion making you question your position in the world and your power to make a change. We all know that we have that within us…it’s just doing it, and doing it NOW. The videos and stills below explain the visuals far better than my evening words…
‘As The World Tipped’ will be taking place in Birmingham this weekend through the Birmingham Hippodrome as part of the 4 Squares Weekender to celebrate the opening of the Library of Birmingham…which I am yet to experience. Next week maybe…
‘Appetite’ aims to get more people in Stoke-on-Trent to experience and be inspired by the arts by presenting family friendly events featuring world-class artists, shows and activities for the people of Stoke-on-Trent. Its main focus is working with community groups across the area to find out ‘what the people of Stoke-on-Trent really want from the arts? to develop new ideas, skills and experiences so people can then go on to develop their own art events. Having worked for many years in Stoke-on-Trent, and in partnership with cultural venues there, it would be really great to see this happen over the next few years. The project is funded by Arts Council England and is led by the New Vic Theatre in partnership with B Arts, Brighter Futures, Partners in Creative Learning and Staffordshire University.
Rachel Marsden's Words 
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