Neil Paris
December 2010
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What inspired you to create Agnes and Walter: A Little Love Story? |
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I first came across the character Walter Mitty as a child through the
short story by James Thurber and the film starring Danny Kaye. It struck
a chord and I have wanted to do something with it for many years.
Walter Mitty is a daydreamer, which is often seen as a negative activity
- but this is a vital ingredient of creativity, aspiration and
development. I liked the idea that this attribute keeps Agnes and Walter
together, I am also interested in the idea that what appears mundane is
not necessarily so... |
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How closely do you collaborate with the dancers? |
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Dancers develop the ideas; shaping the characters, movements and
structure. They are the people that the audience relate to - they make
everything real.
I worked with Dan [Canham] and Laura [Dannequin] before as performers
for Fabulous Beast Dance
Theatre. Older dancers’ every movement seems weighted with experience,
and knowledge, they bring so much perspective and presence to the work. |
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Have you worked at the DanceHouse before? |
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Yes, and it is fantastic to be coming back! We were so lucky last year to be able to rehearse and present the first version of Agnes and Walter as part of PULSE 10, the DanceHouse is wonderfully equipped. |
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What are your next steps? |
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If all goes well the new piece will premiere in Norwich in May, and it may come back to the DanceHouse as part of PULSE 11. |
The Rough Cut of Agnes and Walter: A Little Love Story was performed at the DanceHouse in May 2011.
Biography
Born in Norfolk, Neil trained at Dartington College of Arts and Laban,
London. From 2003-2010 he was a core member of Ireland’s Fabulous Beast Dance
Theatre, associate company at the Barbican, London. Directed by Michael
Keegan-Dolan, their award-winning work has toured the UK, USA,
Australia, New Zealand and Europe.
As a creative educator and workshop leader Neil has extensive experience
working in educational and community settings with people ranging from
the very young to the over 60’s. Neil is currently based in Norwich and
is developing his own work as a 2011 Escalator artist.
Background image: Jerwood DanceHouse and The Mill illuminated as part of Ip-art 2010. Tim Underwood.
