Following on from the theme in the last review of taking things for granted, one thing that is constantly under scrutiny for this very reason is nature itself. The Nest explores Mother Nature as two friends find a nest on an urban estate and rediscover what it is like to be playful, to keep things simple and to experience deep joy despite the modern world around them.
The NestUsing simple choreography on both the ground and in the air, collaborators Amanda Gillian Thompson and Katherine Miriam took inspiration from a childhood memory shared by Isatta Sheriff from when she was living in Tower Hamlets, East London. Together, they created a piece that was gentle, yet thought-provoking as they delved into how they would get back to that childhood state of playing whilst rediscovering the beauty of nature amongst the concrete walls.
A simple set was used with white fabric creating a cocoon of sorts for safety, bricks to represent the urban background and other materials such as twigs, leaves and more to eventually create a larger nest later on. I will not say why there is a larger nest in case you come and see it, but I will say that alongside the dramatic lighting and soothing, yet moving music, this production was an experience that heightened each sense as it developed. It made you think about the world as we know it today and what else we could discover if we look hard enough from a different angle.
Thompson and Miriam were not afraid to allow themselves to become vulnerable in their joy; especially when it came to playing with various body shapes within the white sheets for rebirth, as well as on the rope whilst releasing a flurry of white feathers to create the feeling of birds in flight. A sense of metaphorical freedom. The power they had as they developed a sense of curiosity with each discovery made along the way and trusted each other with every new connection developed between them as they showed exquisite trust with balancing their bodies, played with the props and set and relished in gently creating a space for everyone to let go of modern world troubles and mentally escape in the wonder created.
The Nest is a joyful experience to watch and allows you to be present and keep things simple while watching. It is mindful, thought-evoking evoking and enchanting. One to watch!
Sascha Cooper
Artistic Direction: Amanda Gillian Thompson
Creative Collaborator and Performer: Katherine Miriam
Ground and Aerial Choreography: Amanda GillianThompson
Producer: Iona Bremmer – Revel Puck Circus
Composer: Isatta Sheriff
Tech/Sound/Lighting/Rigging: Revel Puck Circus
Photography for artwork image: Courtney Nathan Phillip
“In the concrete jungle, the children make BIG FUN!”
Created by Amanda Gillian Thompson, The Nest explores inquisitiveness, play, and a sense of awe and wonder about nature—no matter where it occurs. This physical narrative evolved from a childhood memory generously shared by East London-based artist Isatta Sheriff, about play and life in Inner City London.
Incorporating movement, dance, and aerial circus, The Nest is fun, heartwarming, and perfect for multigenerational audiences. It sparks deeper thinking and raises questions about modern-day living, our encounters with nature, our environment, and our place within our communities.
The piece is set to a beautiful soundtrack with narration to support the storytelling and includes movement, aerial rope, and simple props, which the performers (Katherine Miriam and Amanda Gillian Thompson) use in imaginative and creative ways. The Nest is a family-friendly performance and welcomes audiences of all ages.