- A two metre rise in water levels would see the river Wensum at the base of Norwich Cathedral
- What do we do with such facts? How are they relevant to our lives?
- Are they anxiety inducing, or can they be hopeful rallying-cries?
New Norwich physical theatre company, Vatic Theatre, in partnership with Norwich Theatre, debuts an immersive new production that explores climate change and its effects on the local area.
The show is created for and will be performed in the atmospheric cloisters of Norwich Cathedral from 3-12 August.
With communities across Norwich and with climate scientists, Vatic Theatre explored the relevance of climate headlines to our lives: do they induce anxiety or encourage action? Their voices inspired Norwich Under the Water a piece of physical theatre that combines movement and an original composition by award-winning composer Bill Vine, listened to through headsets.
An exhibition of art made by the community members that helped inform the piece will be installed inside the Cathedral to encourage reflection and personal responses to climate change.
Bishop Graham is the Church of England’s Lead Bishop for Environmental Affairs. Bishop Graham says:
“I am pleased that this new work is to be performed in the beautiful cloisters of Norwich Cathedral, not least because it awakes us to the reality of climate change on our doorstep. As Christians, we have a responsibility to care for God’s creation, and participating in Norwich Theatre’s Creative Matters: Climate Stories is just one way in which we can demonstrate that care. I hope this performance piece from Vatic Theatre will encourage conversation and personal reflection.”
Sophie Utting, Artistic Director at Vatic Theatre and performer in Norwich Under the Water, said: “It’s a physical theatre piece that also uses music and site to create a sensory experience. With so many facts and chatter about the climate crisis, I wanted to create something that gets us out of our heads and into our bodies. There’s a story that audiences can follow, but it’s a piece that gives space for people to feel their way through, finding their own connections.”
The production combines three key ambitious commitments from Norwich Theatre. Vatic Theatre is part of Norwich Theatre’s artistic development programme, which develops and engages local talent to maximise Norfolk’s potential as a brilliant place to be an artist and create new work. The show forms part of Norwich Theatre’s Creative Matters: Climate Stories season, which explores critical and sensitive topics through creativity. Being created for and staged in the cloisters of Norwich Cathedral, the show also supports Norwich Theatre Beyond, a commitment to taking creativity outside of the theatre buildings and into new communities.
Jez Pike, Creative Development Manager at Norwich Theatre, is helping co-produce the show. He said: “Norwich Theatre has supported the development of Norwich Under the Water as part of our commitment to nurturing new work and platforming the talent of local artists and companies. It’s a project in tune with so many of our values: integrating communities from the start; bringing relevant stories to audiences in unexpected ways and places; and strengthening dialogue around climate change.”
Speaking about the support, Sophie added: “Norwich Theatre has been amazing. It is hard to imagine bringing this project together without their wrap-around support; caring, flexible and always focused on supporting my vision. Starting a new company can be an isolating experience, but I’ve felt part of a community of creative peers.”
Norwich Under the Water is produced in partnership with Norwich Theatre, with the support of Norwich Puppet Theatre and Norwich Cathedral, and with funding from Arts Council England. Tickets are free but must be booked in advance to secure the headsets.
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