Following on from the 2017-19 touring success of The Head Wrap Diaries, Uchenna Dance are back with a contemporary take on a classic fairy tale.
Told from the children’s perspective, our two young heroes brave a big journey and find themselves lost in London, overwhelmed by the sights, sounds and smells. Separated from their kind guardian, the clever duo must use their smarts and determination to outwit the adults and find a way for their little modern family to stay together in a show where kids are number one!
Director and choreographer Vicki Igbokwe puts her unique ‘Uchenna’ twist on the much-loved story, weaving dance styles House, Waacking and Vogue, with African and Contemporary dance. “Hansel & Gretel is a story I read a lot as a child and for me, it was always about how brave Hansel & Gretel are, how tenacious, courageous and resourceful. In our version, they use their imagination to help them get out of tricky situations. I really wanted to create a show that celebrates and empowers young people to be brave and think on their feet.”
Instead of breadcrumbs, they follow the London landmarks and the evil witch is a helpful – or maybe not so helpful? – stranger in a show that celebrates the boundless imagination of children with vivacious dancing and colourful costumes. The stage will be transformed into a mobile, ever changing urban playground coming to life for this show that will delight the whole family and leave them grooving in their seat!
With an exciting original musical score by Ghanaian composer Kweku Aacht, the production is written by Gbolahan Obisesan, with set and costume design by Lucy Sierra, lighting design by James Mackenzie and assistant choreography by Ingrid Mackinnon.
The specially commissioned soundtrack of Ghanaian rhythms, contemporary sounds and house beats, featuring Jo’ Wayne, Yung Pabi, Robin Huws, and others, will have the audience grooving in their seats.
Hansel & Gretel will be Uchenna’s first ever family show, and comes to DanceEast on Saturday 7 March, with performances at 1.00pm and 4.00pm. Click here to book your tickets.
*Hansel & Gretel is presented by Uchenna Dance & The Place. Co-commissioned by The Place, DanceEast, Rural Touring Dance Initiative and Strike a Light. Supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.
