RUSHMORE 2010

Feedback from Rushmore Change School Project where the children in year 2 created a piece of professional dance theatre performed at the Rich Mix Theatre for their families and friends:

‘The children became far more confident in reflecting on their experience and expressing their opinions. I was amazed and very pleased to hear a child who had previously only spoken in whispers within a small group speak audibly in the school hall. He had been given a supportive framework over a number of days making this change possible.’  Tutor Rushmore Primary School 2010

‘The feedback from the children and from the parents was incredible. One child had been sceptical to start with. He wrote in his recount of the project – ‘When I heard we were going to do a dance project I thought it would be rubbish but it was brilliant!’ Another child’s mother told me that her son had said to her, ‘The dance project is like a dream come true’. Having the opportunity to work with professional dancers, musician, set designer and lighting designer and having their views valued and respected was a dream come true for all of them.’ Teacher and Children Rushmore Primary School 2010

“I was also given the chance to stand back and reflect. This will change my practice – reflection on learning will become key to progress rather than something added on. I could see how the children’s response grew and changed over the period of the project.” Tutor Rushmore Primary School, June 2010

Feedback from the Arcola Create 09 Festival showing of Cope on 24th July:

Moments that the audience felt were successful in identifying the issue:

‘The point where one and other were on the floor with backs to audience but we could see on the projection what was happening – abuse – which was hidden to the audience. That was great!’

‘Drawing the hand on the body’

‘The use of humiliation in the piece juxtaposed with the loving relationship.’

‘Session of rape with foot. Nappy session. Wine drinking’

‘The piece reiterated and reminded me of the issue, hence why I didn’t enjoy the performance as it is not a particularly happy or comfortable issue!

‘Humiliation was VERY powerful scene – incredibly moving.’

‘Story told of the struggle between …’

General Feedback on the work in progress sharing of cope:

‘Everyone on stage contributed to the intensity of the piece, was uncomfortable viewing but found it reflected on many relationships – not just Domestic Abuse.’

‘It felt voyeristic at times and wallowed without showing the courageousness of people who manage to move on from abuse. Focusing on a problem in a literal way didn’t bring it across quite as profoundly as it could. ‘

‘Very intense performance at times uncomfortable but obvioulsy worth highlighting the issue, though initially wondered what its purpose is beyond the process of making the piece.’

‘The images projected onto the screen, I think it was supposed to be an injured body but it could have been clearer. A bit too abstract.’

‘I would like to see more of the contrast from the joy on dependency as well as the horror.’

‘Overall very moved, sometime uncomfortable so you probably achieved the wanted feel!!’

‘Great dancer, great music, nice use of mixing different mediums.’

‘Loved the live music – really added another eerie layer to the work. Great performers but wanted a bit more clarity about the joker character. Really enjoyed the film work too.’

‘Sound/light production really added a sense of the live drama to the piece.’

Lucia Tong (cope, Greenwich Dance Agency, February 2009) Photographer; Scott Davies.