The Jungle Book as dance-drama

Not to be confused with the new movie just released in cinemas, this is a high energy thrilling interpretation of The Jungle Book using street dance, circus, skateboards and spoken word.
The all  new Jungle Book production at the Devonshire Park TheatreThe all  new Jungle Book production at the Devonshire Park Theatre
The all new Jungle Book production at the Devonshire Park Theatre

Acclaimed street dance choreographer Kendra J Horsburgh has collaborated with Metta Theatre this reimagining of Rudyard Kipling’s classic, coming to the Devonshire Park Theatre from 17-21 May.

The familiar storyline is transposed to a contemporary urban jungle of fleet-footed Wolves, street dancing Monkeys, a beat-boxing bin man Baloo and graffiti artist Bagheera. This production will simultaneously astonish with its physical virtuosity and challenge with its politics.

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Metta Theatre are known for their powerful visual storytelling and exploration of multi-cultural stories. In Jungle Book we follow Mowgli on her search for identity and belonging - vulnerable, isolated and trying to find her place in an alien environment. The story transcends boundaries and will resonate with audiences young and old, urban and rural, from age 8 to 108.

A beat-driven score, using real world sounds of the city, and a minimalistic set create an urban jungle – a stark forest of streetlamps disguising circus equipment on which these recognisably human animals cavort and contort themselves. The show uses street dance and circus to explore the search for identity and belonging in contemporary multi-cultural Britain. The diverse and multi-skilled cast includes the UK’s leading dancers and circus performers.

Local children Annie Singer and James Powell will be joining the cast in Eastbourne. A member of the Theatre Workshop Annie is thrilled to be back on stage and excited to perform in such a radical adaptation of this classic. James is making his performance debut having auditioned via Families for Autism who are based in Eastbourne. Previously only having sung with his school choir he is keen to test out his acting skills with such an inclusive company.

Performances at 7pm, not on Thursday evening, with matinees Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday at 2.30pm. Tickets from £15.50 with concessions, on www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk or 01323 412000.

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