Creation

Creation always goes the extra mile, especially where its digital theatre productions are concerned.

But the team is really pushing the boat out this time by erecting miniature theatres in each actors home for their upcoming production of Grimm Tales for Fragile Times and Broken People.

“These Grimm Tales are a reminder that we, as humans, have always faced struggles, but we have also overcome them”

Yes, the innovative Oxford theatre company has sent its miniature theatre sets all over the country, to make things even more realistic for us, its loyal and ever expanding global audience.

“I can stand in my mine,” Natasha Rickman tells me. “but it’s still quite weird at night when I’m in bed and can just see this dystopian world around me!”

Natasha Rickman

Grimm Tales for Fragile Times and Broken People features a handpicked selection of the most disturbingly brilliant stories collected by the Brothers Grimm, such as Hansel and Gretel, The Juniper Tree, The Moon, Rumpelstiltskin and Godfather Death. Its cast is made up of Creation’s new rep company, another first.

Funded by Innovative UK’s Sustainable Innovation Fund (READ ABOUT IT HERE) https://www.oxinabox.co.uk/breaking-news-oxfords-creation-theatre-celebrates-new-funding-announcement/ the grant enabled Creation to employ five actors for six months in two large scale productions, and this is the first.

So what can we expect – something suitably dark one presumes? “Yes, it is slightly creepy, but like a magical mystery tour,” Kofi Dennis smiles. “That’s what the audience wants – escapism into a mythical world.”

Newcomer Kofi was selected for a revered place in the rep company, and is appearing in The Moon.

Kofi Dennis in The Moon

So what’s it like being in his first virtual performance? “It is a very different way of working,” he says. “There is a lot to think about besides playing the part and telling the story, such as the lighting, camera angle and so on, but as an actor it’s good to have a whole new set of skills.

“There is a real shift towards digital theatre even when the theatres reopen, and Creation is already ahead of the game, so I am very grateful.”

Aimed at a 12+ market Grimm Tales for Fragile Times and Broken People is more grown-up than Creation’s Christmas show The Wizard of Oz, but as creative director Lucy Askew tells me: “The time we’re living through is, for many, the worst we have experienced. These Grimm Tales are a reminder that we, as humans, have always faced struggles, but we have also overcome them,”

Graeme Rose

Natasha is an old hand at Creation performing and directing wise, but this is a first for her as a member of the rep company in a virtual performance.

“Creation’s magical story-telling always strikes a nerve and this is no different. Gari Jones’ shows are beautiful, haunting and truthful while retaining a great sense of humour so we are all really excited,” she says.

Join Creation in Grimm Tales for Fragile Times and Broken People from 28 January – 14 February 2021. Book at https://www.creationtheatre.co.uk/whats-on/grimm-tales/