Wildworks is the UK’s leading landscape theatre company. From our base in Cornwall, we make site-specific theatre with communities locally, nationally, and internationally. We reach audiences and collaborators all over the globe. Everyone is invited.
Our work attracts people who do not go to the theatre. We’re to be found on beaches and woodlands, car parks, nightclubs and disused quarries, anywhere from derelict department stores to medinas, and from refugee camps to castles. In Portland, we will be found by Portland Bill in an area we are calling The Last Landscape.
We have been working in Portland for a while now, getting a sense of the island, its inhabitants, human and animal, its history. We are aware of its ancient beginnings and have been reading speculative histories that tell stories of a land of ritual, ruled by the seasons and their symbolism and where fire was used as celebration, as source of community cohesion, as beacon for seafarers. We have been looking for the traces of these ceremonies, in the land, in the archives, in the memories of people. We are inspired to create a modern ritual where people and symbolic animals will come together in celebration. At the coming of the dusk, the borderline hour between light and dark, when anything is possible.
We are nothing without community. Here is an opportunity to get involved and contribute to the making of this new creation.
Anyone and everyone! Well, nearly. I’m afraid that you need to be 18yrs and over and we are limited to 20 people in total.
This is a volunteering opportunity for people who would like to try something different. No previous experience required! As long as you can follow some simple directions and bring your enthusiasm and your creative energy to the group, you will help bring the Portland Bill landscape to life!
Please note we are not expecting professional creatives to put themselves forward as we cannot offer you a fee or expenses.
We will be using The Pulpit Inn, DT5 2JT, near the Portland Bill lighthouse as a base.
The event will start at the Lobster Pot Café (also next to Portland Bill) and we will promenade the audience through the landscape.
A lot of fun! You’ll get to work and play with other members of the community as well as the professional Wildworks team. You’ll explore the landscape in a way you haven’t before and will be left forever with a lingering memory of working with performance, fire, and song out in the elements.
Be prepared to work in all weathers. We have been lucky with the recent dry spell (in terms of creating work outside) but the rehearsals and event will go ahead even if it’s raining so we need people who love the outdoors and are prepared to dress for the weather and carry on.
Thursday 7th Sept: 1pm – 8.30pm (Rehearsal day with dress rehearsal at 7.30pm)
Friday 8th Sept: 3.30pm – 8.30pm (2 hour rehearsal followed by dinner break and event at 7.30pm)
Saturday 9th Sept: 3.30pm – 8.30pm (2 hour rehearsal followed by dinner break and event at 7.30pm)
Sunday 10th Sept: 3.30pm – 8.30pm (2 hour rehearsal followed by dinner break and event at 7.30pm)
*Please note: If you can’t make some of the above then we will try to work around your schedule so you can be involved, but need you to be available a minimum of 2 days.
Cost: The performacne is FREE! And you can invite your friends/family to come watch you for free also!
Food: Tea and biscutis will be provided, and a bowl of warm vegan chilli served with bread (there will be a gluten free bread option) will be made available for you every evening at 6pm. Please also bring packed food. And you can also buy food at the Pulpit Inn.
Transport: Free parking is at the Pulpit Inn or please let us know if you will struggle with transport and we’ll see how we can help.
For an incredible experience which you’ll never forget please register your interest by emailing: claire@b-side.org.uk and someone will be in contact with you.
“I found that volunteering enabled me to step out of the stresses of my day-to-day life by taking part in something unique and creative.”
“I now have stories and memories I associate with the place that I didn’t have before.”
“I loved the real moments of joy and laughter. Working with the company to create moments of beauty and seeing the audience’s reaction.
“A unique joyful collaboration between professionals and volunteers in a very special geographical location local to me that lifted my soul.”
