Varmints

A Stratford Circus, East London Dance and Sadler’s Wells Co-Production
Champloo Dance Company

Based on the children's book Varmints by Helen Ward and Marc Craste and with the permission of The Templar Company Ltd

In the pursuit of the artistic excellence for children and young people Stratford Circus, East London Dance and Sadler’s Wells have formed a new, dynamic artistic partnership. Having identified a shortage of high quality, innovative dance theatre which is tailor-made for children and young people, the partnership is seeking to create an exemplary piece of live dance theatre which breaks new ground.

Varmints has a sense of time, space and architecture which lends itself to interpretation through live dance in a most spectacular and unique way. Champloo Dance Company are entering new territory in the UK, successfully blending hip hop, visual imagery and film into theatre. Ultimately we believe this commission would create new avenues for engaging children and young people in literature, dance and theatre.

It’s about people taking over the land and building things that cause bad things to the environment. Then somebody thinks that’s not right and stands up for what he believes in and he makes sure everything is looked after…. it tells people to stand up for what they believe in.
Synopsis of Varmints by Maxwell, aged 8 years.

The three commissioning organisations have a strong track record in nurturing, producing and programming exciting new work. East London Dance has been a pioneer of dance development throughout East London for over 20 years developing creativity and innovation and promoting access and excellence for all. Stratford Circus is an innovative arts venue situated in the heart of Stratford east London with a successful year-round programme for children and families, titled Stratford Circlets. Sadler’s Wells is a beacon for the UK programming national and international dance.

In 2008/09 Stratford Circus acquired a license for the book Varmints written by Helen Ward and illustrated by Marc Craste from Templar Publishing.

Varmints

Varmints