“A show to remember. Infectious energy and good humour.”
Alex is 56. Luca is half his age. Alex has an encyclopaedia in his head. Luca has one on her phone.
Alex can’t recall his mother’s voice or most of the 1980s. But, he can instantly bring to mind his mother’s cooking and his family’s stories of the Spanish Civil War.
Luca worries that she can’t remember the important stuff – things that might make the world a better place. Her journey sucks her into a black hole crammed full of everything she’s ever forgotten.
A poignant, personal meditation on the gaps in our memories, Hold On Let Go asks, what do we want to pass on to future generations?
It’s a show that bakes bread, dances on the kitchen table and wonders what is left when words are gone.
The creative team brings together Paul Smith (Maxïmo Park), Selina Thompson (salt.) and Liv Lorent (BalletLORENT), collaborating for the first time with Unfolding Theatre.
Thanks
The creative process for Hold On Let Go was informed by a group of amazing older people from community organisation, Chain Reaction. Together we explored what we remember and forget in our life stories. You can hear a few of their memories on the show’s radio station, hosted by Paul Smith. Parents and babies at Barnardo's Family Hub at Byker Sands Centre also explored how we capture, preserve and pass on our memories. All of their contributions helped inspire this show.
Presented in association with LittleMighty.
Creative Team
Director
Annie Rigby
Performers
Alex Elliott, Luca Rutherford
Writer
Luca Rutherford
Designer
Simon Henderson
Songwriter & Recorded Voice
Paul Smith
Sound Designer
Mariam Rezaei
Dramaturg
Selina Thompson
Choreographer
Liv Lorent
Lighting Designer
Nick Rogerson
Photography
Richard Lakos
Graphic Design
Wayne Gamble
Developed at Battersea Arts Centre and Northern Stage, and with older people at Chain Reaction and families at Byker Sands Centre, Newcastle. Supported by Joicey Trust and Catherine Cookson Charitable Trust.
A Street Like This is a new production from Unfolding Theatre about the unexpected friendships that arise when something unforeseen happens, changing the way people define themselves forever.
Set – and created - in Sunderland, A Street Like This explores what unifies people in a city, where division exists, and what keeps people apart. What change could happen in a city like Sunderland that reminds us we’ve got more in common than divides us?
Alex wearing an apron throws flour in the air, raining down over Luca with her arms open.
Celebrating Age aims to promote a positive image of ageing; challenging outdated negative preconceptions, and actively engage older people in their local communities. Together we answer and explore the question; “what would an age-friendly world look like to you”?
A series of creative summer workshops for deaf children and young people that explore creative writing, acting, lighting and backstage skills.
