The Quarry
An astronaut is pursued as she runs along the top of the quarry wall. She clings to a bag that is clearly precious cargo. A soundtrack pumps as she repeatedly chants some co-ordinates. She is not safe.
A wild encounter with the quarry at Titterstone Clee Hill. Bring your big coat.
About the work
The research and development of an ambitious new piece by Feral - THE QUARRY is a multi-sensory immersive and experiential site-inspired performance using live and pre-recorded sound, projection, music, giant illuminated puppetry and movement to explore the ecology, history and people of Titterstone Clee Hill.
The period of R&D explored an ancient landscape through brave new performance that merged technology with live action.
The only hill represented on the Mappa Mundi, Titterstone Clee Hill has been inhabited for thousands of years. From Bronze Age hillforts and burial mounds to modern quarrying, the presence of human beings has scarred and shaped the landscape. To illustrate this, the epic narrative centred on a single astronaut as she desperately searches in the vast landscape for a place of refuge for her and her new-born.
“Epic. Totally epic.”
How we made it
Over a four-month period, Feral collaborated with South Shropshire creatives Liz Hyder and Rachel Buchanan to connect with local historians and geologists and the local Clee Hill communities in order to devise and create a template for this ambitious multi-disciplinary outdoors performance.
Estelle worked closely with writer Sara-Jane Arbury, composer Benet Walsh (and local choir) as well as Sound Designer Anthony Murphy to develop the creative content that was tested out on a very dark and squally night with an invited audience who also became our brolly-holders for us to project onto!
Performances
This project is awaiting full development.
Crew
Director – Estelle van Warmelo
Writer – Sara-Jane Arbury
Project Manager – Rachel Buchanan
Creative consultant and workshop leader – Liz Hyder
Music – Benet Walsh
Sound Design – Anthony Murpy
Puppeteer – Andrew Siddall
Cast – Leoni Linton,
Production Manager – Phil Glenny
Company Stage Manager – Mina Nakamura