Protein Presents THE LITTLE PRINCE

Loved by children and adults around the world for generations, the classic tale by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry will be given a fresh and witty new adaptation using Luca Silvestrini's distinctive blend of dance, humour, words and music. Audiences will be invited to join the Little Prince as he journeys through a weird and wonderful universe, meeting fascinating characters along the way whilst learning about the value of friendship and love.

Stranded in the desert where he's crashed his plane, a pilot meets an inquisitive boy who tells him a remarkable story of how he left his own tiny asteroid and journeyed through the universe. On this journey, the Little Prince comes face to face with the baffling world of grown-ups, from a king who reigns over nothing to a businessman obsessively counting stars, from a mysterious snake to a truly wise and friendly fox. With an original score by Frank Moon, design by Yann Seabra and lighting by Jackie Shemesh, Protein's new show invites us to look at the world through one's heart and to reconnect with our inner child.

The cast of four will include Donna Lennard and Andrew Gardiner from previous Protein shows May Contain Food and Border Tales respectively. Joining them will be Faith Prendergast, who has previously performed with companies including Russell Maliphant Company and Arthur Pita, and Jack Sergison, who has recently performed with Gary Clarke and Vincent Dance Theatre.

Luca Silvestrini said "I am really excited to bring to life such a beautiful and important parable. The Little Prince's journey to other asteroids and planet Earth is both magical and transformative and is a relevant example of what should really matter in life. Love, friendship, and even loss, take centre stage in this story as children make discoveries and their grownups are reminded that they were once children too. I'm incredibly lucky to embark on this journey with a fabulous team of artists and we are creating a theatrical experience that will entertain and connect the entire family."

Formed in 1997 and currently one of the most distinctive voices in British dance theatre, Luca Silvestrini's Protein uses a blend of original choreography, humour and music to entertain and provoke audiences. The company's idiosyncratic dance theatre is provoked by the everyday and its repertoire includes B for Body, a Place Prize Finalist in 2006, the award-winning LOL (lots of love), May Contain Food and Border Tales which have toured nationally and internationally since their debut, winning acclaim from critics and audiences alike. Its celebrated outdoor show (In)visible Dancing was seen last year as part of Hull 2017 UK City of Culture, and more recently in August 2018 at Stockton International Riverside Festival.

Protein was awarded the Critic's Circle National Dance Award for Best Independent Dance Company 2011, and was nominated again in 2016. Protein is Associate Company with People Dancing. Partner with Greenwich Dance, Yorkshire Dance and ARC Stockton. Luca Silvestrini is a Work Place Artist at The Place, London.

The Place is one of Europe's most exciting, innovative dance spaces, where artists from all over the world come to push creative boundaries, to experiment and to perform outstanding new work for audiences who expect to be surprised, inspired and delighted. The Place is home to London Contemporary Dance School, Richard Alston Dance Company, a 280 seat theatre, an extensive range of classes, courses and participatory opportunities for adults and young people, and professional development programmes for artists. https://www.theplace.org.uk/

DanceEast is one of the UK's leading dance organisations. It is based at the Jerwood DanceHouse in Ipswich, the home of dance in the East of England.

DanceEast's programme embraces the artistic, educational, social and recreational roles that dance plays in the local and national arts ecology. It places artists at the heart of the organisation, presenting high-quality, high-profile dance work in the Jerwood DanceHouse and offering artists support, development and stimulation via programmes such as the Associate Artist Scheme, Rural Retreats, Professional Development workshops, advanced level classes and the Choreographic Development Fund. DanceEast has been running a range of innovative community projects for over thirty years, working closely with partners on local, national and international projects. https://www.danceeast.co.uk/