THE POLAR BEAR (IS DEAD) Comes To Leeds Playhouse

Performances run 14-15 April.

By: Mar. 22, 2023
THE POLAR BEAR (IS DEAD) Comes To Leeds Playhouse

Have you ever thought about what it means to lose something forever? A treasured possession? Someone you love? Or an entire species?

Artistic collaborators Natalie Bellingham and Daniele Pennati met by chance in 2016 and went on to establish an international creative collective, jointly developing work despite living more than 900 miles apart - one in Yorkshire and the other in Milan, Italy.

The result is The Polar Bear (is Dead), a playful exploration of loss and survival in our current precarious landscape, opening in the Bramall Rock Void studio space at Leeds Playhouse on 14-15 April. Ultimately full of hope, it includes a plant, a polar bear, the Spice Girls and a conversation with Natalie's mum about the end of the world.

The show is a Zoom conversation shared directly with the audience - Natalie performing live in the theatre while Daniele performs digitally on screen from Italy - illustrated by photos, videos and memories from over the years.

Originally conceived as a compromise to enable them to make the show during covid travel restrictions, they decided to keep the format even when restrictions were lifted to underline their ecological message. Face-to-face preparation for the show has all been achieved using surface transport - no flights - and, if the show is taken to Italy as planned, the roles will be reversed, with Daniele live on stage and Natalie zooming in from Yorkshire.

"After a grim few years in the arts, we're really looking forward to bringing the show to Leeds," said Natalie. "At one point this project seemed an impossible dream, but we're here, we're doing it and the enthusiasm for the work and support from the Playhouse has been uplifting.

"In many ways the show is about change, another thing the pandemic presented us all with that we didn't ask for. The show looks at the changes we face as humans globally and, closer to home, as individuals.

"We want our work to have a life after the show ends, in the bar later, in front of the TV the next night, wherever, through conversations. We'd love people to chat about what we have and how we can enjoy it whilst it's here - and how we might hold onto it for as long as possible before things change."




RELATED STORIES - UK Regional

1
KDC Theatre to Perform THE BUS at Sofias Derida Dance Center in Bulgaria Photo
KDC Theatre to Perform THE BUS at Sofia's Derida Dance Center in Bulgaria

London-based fringe theatre company, KDC Theatre, will be performing its production of 'The Bus' by celebrated Bulgarian playwright Stanislav Stratiev at Sofia's Derida Dance Center in Bulgaria from 17th to 18th June.

2
Cast and Creatives Revealed For GHOST LIGHT: A New Musical Photo
Cast and Creatives Revealed For GHOST LIGHT: A New Musical

Ghost Light, the new musical by Molly O'Gorman playing at the Hope Theatre next month, has announced its cast and creative team.

3
THE BODYS VOICE Comes to The Iklectik Photo
THE BODY'S VOICE Comes to The Iklectik

The Body's Voice is an audio-visual installation which explores the idea that movement is the sensory language or 'voice' of the human body. The installation features moving images of children discovering their unique inner dance voices and communicating through uninhibited spontaneous movement.

4
New Adaptation of FRANKENSTEIN Will Embark on UK Tour in September Photo
New Adaptation of FRANKENSTEIN Will Embark on UK Tour in September

A brand-new adaption of Mary Shelley’s classic novel Frankenstein will start a major UK theatre tour at the Churchill Theatre Bromley on 16 September, before playing 10 further venues around the country.

More Hot Stories For You

Videos


#repshow# in #getregions.name[i]# Les Miserables: The Memoirs of Jean Valjean
The Barnfield Theatre (6/02-6/09)
#repshow# in #getregions.name[i]# Matthew Bourne's Sleeping Beauty
ODEON, Liverpool Switch Island (6/28-6/28)
#repshow# in #getregions.name[i]# Sheldrake on Shakespeare: Live!
Old Fire Station (6/08-6/08)
#repshow# in #getregions.name[i]# ONE NIGHT WITH YOU (Tribute to Elvis)
Swan Theatre (7/30-7/30)
#repshow# in #getregions.name[i]# Branwen: Dadeni
Pontio Arts Centre (11/22-11/25)
#repshow# in #getregions.name[i]# Woodhill
The North Wall Arts Centre (7/27-7/28)
#repshow# in #getregions.name[i]# 'Nightingale'- A Family-Friendly Ballet
Waterperry Gardens (7/22-7/22)
#repshow# in #getregions.name[i]# Theatre in the Garden
St Paul's Church (5/28-9/08)
#repshow# in #getregions.name[i]# 'Nightingale'- A Family-Friendly Ballet
Lullingstone Castle and The World Garden (7/26-7/26)
#repshow# in #getregions.name[i]# 'Nightingale'- A Family-Friendly Ballet
West Horsley Place (8/13-8/13)
VIEW ALL SHOWS  ADD A SHOW  

Recommended For You