Daisi brings together young actors and dancers to perform at Exeter

NINE students from the King’s School, Ottery St Mary, join Devon’s brightest young dance and theatre talents to perform together at Exeter Northcott Theatre.

Devon-based arts education charity Daisi, has brought together young actors and theatre technicians with Devon Youth Dance Company, to perform in Dialogues on Saturday, April 14.

It is the second year young performers from Devon Youth Theatre have appeared on stage at the Northcott, but this year they have been joined by the dance company for a special one-off performance.

This collaboration gives them the unique opportunity to see each other’s work and create performances which combine both dance and theatre.

DYT, led by Erin Walcon and Meghan Searle, will perform ? Pidgin English, an energetic show devised by the young performers and theatre technicians.

It involves a crazed narrator, chorus line of pigeons and a trio of lovelorn office workers.

As well as writing and performing in the play, DYT members have created the marketing materials and press releases, designed lighting and sound and stage-managed the performance with marketing and technical staff at the Northcott.

“No task seems too difficult for the ensemble,” said Erin. “We’ve been overwhelmed by both their creativity and professionalism.”

Devon Youth Dance Company will perform Constellations, choreographed by DYDC guest choreographer Rick Nodine, and Over and Over, devised between the young dancers and DYDC directors Rohanna Eade and Sophie Arstall.

“This year’s performance is the natural progression from last year’s highly successful collaboration between Devon Youth Theatre and the Exeter Northcott Theatre,” said Liz Hill, director of Daisi.

Kate Tyrell, executive director at Exeter Northcott Theatre said she was delighted to be working with Daisi on the project.

“The bar was set very high last year by DYT and we know audiences won’t be disappointed by this year’s offering which, with the addition of Devon Youth Dance in to the mix, promises to be really special.”

Any young people interested in taking part in next year’s Devon Youth Theatre project should contact Daisi on 01392 385214 or email: Peter@daisi.org.uk.