Derry’s Guildhall shines as Echo Echo dancers and local people bring chess to life
23 June 2010
Confirming the city’s extensive arts talent, Echo Echo will perform ‘The Chess Piece’ in Londonderry’s historic Guildhall building from Wednesday 23rd to Saturday 26th June every evening at 8pm with a 3pm matinee on Saturday.
A mix of professional dancers and workshop participants of all ages and backgrounds will take on the roles of the chess characters for this ambitious production, using dance and theatre alongside original music from the talented Rea Curran -ex-member of Duke Special’s band.
The 32 eccentric characters playfully explore themes of competition, territory, power, difference and similarity - taking you on a colourful journey around the world with movement and costume inspired by different cultures.
Artistic Director of Echo Echo, Steve Batts said: “It is going to be really good fun, for the 32 performers and for the audience too. It is really special to have 95% of the people involved from the Derry area. I can't wait to see the magic that choreographer Ayesha Mailey will bring to the giant chessboard made up of 64 one and a half metre, black and white squares covering the floor of the Guildhall’s main hall.”
The entire building will be animated with help from In Your Space Events Management, who specialise in street performance, circus skills and clowning.
Which side does each character belong to and how long will they stay in the game? For chess is a game of hide and seek, it is a game of strategy and ultimately it’s a game of war. It’s not over until checkmate!
Performances will be running from Wednesday 23rd to Saturday 26th June with shows at 8pm and a 3pm Saturday matinee. Tickets cost £8 per adult and £4 per child and are available at www.wegottickets.com.
The Chess Piece is part of the company’s Into Contact programme, which is funded by the Legacy Trust UK’s Connections Programme and managed by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland. The Chess Piece is also funded by Derry City Council and has been granted the Inspire Mark, the badge of the London 2012 Inspire Programme.
Seb Coe, Chair of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, provided his endorsement for the project. He said: “The Chess Piece is encouraging people of all ages and backgrounds to fulfil their potential. I am proud that with the help of partners such as Echo Echo Dance Theatre Company, who are delivering on our vision to use the power of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games to boost participation in dance and sport.”
Moira Swinbank, Chief Executive of Legacy Trust UK said “Legacy Trust UK is an independent charitable trust, which supports cultural and sporting activity that promotes the widest possible impact of London staging the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games to leave a lasting legacy in communities throughout the UK. The Trust is proud to fund Echo Echo, through the Connections programme in Northern Ireland, as we believe the Chess Piece will inspire people through a truly innovative production and performance.”
