Acclaimed street dance choreographer Kendra J Horsburgh has collaborated with Metta Theatre on a new version of Jungle Book using street dance, circus, skateboards and spoken word, coming to the Devonshire Park Theatre from 17th – 21st May.
Their only south coast tour date, this is your one chance to see this radical re imagining of Kipling’s much loved, classic as Jungle Book is transposed to a contemporary urban jungle of fleet-footed Wolves, street dancing Monkeys, a beat-boxing bin man Baloo and graffiti artist Bagheera. Kipling for the 21st century – this production will simultaneously astonish with its physical virtuosity and challenge with its politics.
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 8 to 108 years!
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.
Experience Jungle Book at the Devonshire Park Theatre from Tuesday 17th – Saturday 21st May with evening shows at 7pm (no Thursday evening performance) and Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday matinees at 2.30pm. Tickets from £15.50 with concessions, children, families, students and group tickets are available at eastbournetheatres.co.uk or by calling the box office on 01323 412000.