Photo Credit: Jon Archdeacon
BEAT-FLYS
BLINK Dance Theatre and Beatbox Academy present BEAT-FLYS; a fresh new sensory and immersive show for adults with Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities.
BEAT-FLYS invites the audience to take on the main character role on a fantastical journey. Pushed out of Bow, East London, audiences meet an angry, Evil Butterfly, determined to trap them in their cocoons. Fortunately, An Angel Old Woman comes to the rescue and leads the audience on their way to meet the Love Dragon in their safe refuge. And before it’s time to head home, the Party Panda is there to celebrate (possibly a bit too hard).
Written, devised and co-directed by neurodivergent BLINK artist Sabir Abdul, in collaboration with BLINK Co-Director Rachel Gildea, BEAT-FLYS has been created with sensory moments at it’s core, playing a central role to the storytelling. Costumes, props and set pieces designed by Designer Hazel McIntosh immerse you in the familiar London setting before turning into the wondrous fantasy land devised by Sabir and Rachel, supported by Lighting Design by Carly Altberg.
BEAT-FLYS is an exciting first-time collaboration between BLINK Dance Theatre and Beatbox Academy, based at Battersea Arts Centre. The beatboxers create an exciting soundtrack to the audience’s journey, elevating the sensory experience to the next level.
GALLERY
Photo Credit: Rachel Cherry
CREATIVE AND PRODUCTION TEAM
Cast
| Co-Directors | Sabir Abdul and Rachel Gildea |
| Performers | Vicki Hawkins, Siobhán Wedgeworth, Aisha Edwards, Delson Weekes, Greg Baxter, Josh Grey-Jung |
| Beatboxers | Nadine-Rose Johnson, Tyler Worthington, Nathaniel Forder-Staple |
Creatives
| Set and Costume Designer | Hazel McIntosh |
| Lighting Designer | Carly Altberg |
Production Team
| Stage Manager | Zoe Dowler |
| Production Manager | Megan Morris |
| Rehearsal Director | Laura Day |
| Artistic Director of BAC Beatbox Academy | Conrad Murray |
| Co-Director for BLINK Dance Theatre | Francis Majekodunmi |
PAST PERFORMANCES
| 19th June, 2024 | Tara Theatre, London |
| 22nd - 23rd October, 2024 | Battersea Arts Centre, London |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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This show is for adults (aged 16+) with Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities, and those those who face the most barriers to access. Audiences are invited to attend with their carers, friends and families.
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The performance is approximately one hour long.
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The audience is limited to between 7 and 12 individuals with PMLD and their carers (14 - 24 in total), dependent on the venue.
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Yes, this is a relaxed performance. This means the audience can (and are encouraged to) make noise, move around the space and express themselves however they feel comfortable. They can also leave and reenter the space as needed.
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This is a show for adults, so there are some adult themes such as drinking and drugs.
There are some moments in the show where the space will be dark. There are also some slow flashing and/or colour changing lights.
If you have any concerns ahead of the show, you can contact us at access@blinkdancetheatre.org.
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If you still have a question you would like answered, you can contact Access and Inclusion Manager Siobhán Wedgeworth by email at access@blinkdancetheatre.org.