SCOTTISH BALLET’S HANSEL & GRETEL, AND ME – WOODLANDS PERFORMANCES

Hermitage of Braid woods, Braid Drive, EDINBURGH, 29 March, 7.30pm

Ninewells Woods, Ninewells Hospital, DUNDEE, 6 April at 8.30pm and 9.30pm

Film Installation, Eden Court, INVERNESS, 10 April between 6 and 8pm

The Airthrey Aboretum, Stirling University Campus, STIRLING, 13 April SOLD OUT

Craig Den Woods, ABERDEEN, 14 April at 6pm

If you go down to the woods this spring you’re in for a big surprise as Scottish Ballet’s Hansel & Gretel, and Me project takes over the woodlands of Scotland in advance of the company’s world premiere of Hansel & Gretel later this year.

Taking place in five areas across Scotland the Hansel & Gretel, and Me woodlands performances see local participants presenting an exciting new dance piece following a series of creative workshops with Scottish Ballet’s education team, bushcraft specialists and Forestry Commission Scotland.

Using woodland spaces, and working with dance and tree sculptures and characters, participants will explore themes of journeys, adventure, empowerment, independence and ingenuity – all of which have been identified by Scottish Ballet’s Artistic Director Christopher Hampson as core to Scottish Ballet’s new production and it is intended that the workshop process and performances will inspire and inform the creative process of Hansel & Gretel.

Live performances by the participants will be held in Edinburgh, Dundee, Stirling and Aberdeen. A film installation (created by participants working with dance film artist Heather Eddington) will be shown in Inverness as part of a special Gingerbread House installation.

“We are delighted to be working in partnership with Forestry Commission Scotland and a range of local partners on this exciting woodlands performance project,” said Catherine Cassidy, Associate Director Education.

“We recognise the huge benefits of encouraging people to be active outdoors and engage with the local country side in new and imaginative ways. Hansel & Gretel, and Me allows us to work creatively in inspirational and dramatic environments further enhancing the experience and range of skills participants will gain.”

James McDougall of Forestry Commission Scotland added: “Scotland’s woodlands have so much to offer and are fantastic places for events celebrating the Year of Natural Scotland.

“Our partnership with Scottish Ballet is particularly special as it will bring together the best of culture and dance with communities in five woodland sites across Scotland.

“This community dance initiative marks a first for us and we are very excited that local people will help shape Scottish Ballet’s Hansel & Gretel.”

Please note that public performances are free but require guest list confirmation. Members of the public should reserve a place by emailing education@scottishballet.co.uk or call 0141 331 6297. Each performance will last around 20 minutes, audience members should be prepared to stand in a woodlands environment for this time.

Source: Scottish Ballet