Earthfall presents the 20th Anniversary Celebratory tour

GIG - Out of harmony comes discord In celebration of their 20th Anniversary, the multi award-winning dance and physical theatre company, Earthfall, present their winter season with a tour of their brand-new performance, GIG, scheduled to perform at six venues nationwide from 22 October (see full tour schedule below).

Earthfall are a 21st Century phenomenon, inspired by gritty reality and glitzy technology, creating minute epics with extreme physicality.'THE GUARDIAN

'Mesmerising ... it made the theatre catch fire - epic' MAIL ON SUNDAY

Marking their 26th production since the company's formation in 1989, Earthfall takes pride in successfully forging radical choreography with live music and strong visual imagery. Founding Artistic Directors, Jim Ennis & Jessica Cohen have rapidly established the company as an outstanding exponent of pioneering dance theatre. Earthfall's theme-based work is primarily concerned with seeking a personal honesty, passion, and economy in physical performance, to produce multifaceted, quality work which has been performed throughout the world. In testament of their success so far, Earthfall has received several awards for its live performance and film work, including the BAFTA Cymru Award for Best Short Film and has twice won the Theatre in Wales Award for Best Dance/Physical Theatre Production.

'As with all Earthfall shows, this is no ordinary performance ...

a major piece of dance theatre which manages to engage, excite and exhilarate almost to the point of exhaustion' THE WESTERN MAIL

'...seldom shy of mesmerising' THE SCOTSMAN

Looking back over the past two-decades of performance Jim Ennis comments: "Earthfall was established in a year of great political upheaval, predominately in the Eastern bloc, including the defining act of demolishing the Berlin Wall - both a political and physical act that helped shape the performance and choreographic style of the company.

"I'm delighted that we have made it to 20-years and am proud to have become one of Wales' leading artistic exports. To survive this long in the performing arts world, you have to be both dogged and resilient - Earthfall's survival and achievements to date are testament to this and our continued collaboration with dedicated and talented artists.

"The pressure, determination and pursuit of new ideas remains the same now as it was in 1989 and we look forward to continuing our production of award-winning work."

Jessica Cohen adds: "From the moment we decided to start Earthfall, it has been like a roller-coaster ride. I'm incredibly proud of our company surviving 20 years, it's a considerable length of time. Earthfall is truly embedded into my life and the creative process never gets easier; the first day of rehearsal is still a bit like the first day back at school!"

Alongside the tour, Earthfall will be offering educational workshops, available for groups aged 15+, which will provide a unique opportunity to explore the choreographic tasks and stimuli used to devise the piece, enabling participants to delve into their own creative edge and find expression in their work.

'A stunning concept all round' THE STAGE

GIG promises to be no exception to Earthfall's continued repertoire of excellence with a high-octane, satirical rampage through the human condition, featuring dark humour, bold dance, film and award-winning, live music that is both anarchic and melodic in style, composed by Sion Orgon and Frank Naughton.

Four physical performers and two musicians depict the story of a touring alternative/progressive band who are experiencing life from an elevated and somewhat surreal position, far removed from the realities of society, whilst their music and performances continue to encapsulate the world outside. As the band members struggle to make sense of their world, they experience both transient and turbulent relationships, as trashed instruments, bloody noses and drunken reconciliations are witnessed.

Expect to be transported on an emotional journey from the exhilarating and poignant through to the comical and utterly ridiculous.

www.thisisgig.com

TOUR SCHEDULE

Thurs, 22 - Fri, 23 October 7.45pm £12/£10concs Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon 01874 611622

Wed, 28 - Thurs, 29 October 8pm £12 / £10 under 19s £8 Sherman Cymru, Cardiff 029 2064 6900

Wed, 4 - Thurs, 5 November 8pm £10 / £8concs / £4 BSU Students University Theatre - Bath Spa University 01225 463362

Tues, 10 November 7.30pm £12 / 9.50concs Weymouth College 01305 208702

Fri, 13 November 7.30pm £10 / £7.50concs Galeri, Caernarfon 01286 658222

Tues, 17 November 7.30pm £7.50 / £6.50concs Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre 01823 414141

Earthfall : Second week of Rehearsal GIG clip two