On the High Road
A disparate group of people travelling on the high road find themselves caught in a terrible storm. Whether old or young, pilgrim or party-goer, they must all seek refuge under the same roof. As night draws in they dream, pray, dance, party and fight, waiting for the dawn to come.
On the High Road sees a company of dancers, actors and singers warp time and perspective to create an epic moving sculpture. As if viewing them under a microscope, we watch human beings attempt to share space within their homes, cities, states and continents.
Paul Clark’s original score counterpoints howling winds, downpours and thunderclaps with the beauty of three very different human voices. Twisted classical textures stumble into drunken bar-room pianos; mournful songs build to pulsating clubby rhythms.
Stark monochrome design, multifaceted movement and exhilarating music combines in a feverish fin de siècle atmosphere. At once dance, play and concert, On the High Road’s turbulent blend of movement and music defies categorisation.
The show’s 2019 run featured award-winning Irish folk singer Thomas McCarthy, acclaimed soprano Melanie Pappenheim and cult cabaret icon George Heyworth (Bourgeois and Maurice).
Suzy Willson - Direction; Paul Clark - Music; Hansjörg Schmidt - Lighting; Sarah Blenkinsop - Design
Peggy Shaw - ‘Madame Woo’ text; Stephen Brown - Dramaturgical Consultant; Claire Cunningham - Rehearsal Director
Daniele Fummo - Photography; Hugo Glendinning - Production Photography; Lisa Cazzato Vieyra - Video
Mat Ort - Production Manager; Naomi Colette Harvey - Company Stage Manager; Rob Donnelly-Jackson - Sound Engineer; Mike Winship - Deputy Sound Engineer; Beth Bilcliffe - Wardrobe Supervisor
Christopher Akrill; Ellen Yilma; George Heyworth; Ihsaan de Banya; Makiko Aoyama; Melanie Pappenheim; Rachele Rapisardi; Ramona Nagabczyńska-de Barbaro; Thomas McCarthy; Tiffany Desplanques; Yen-Ching Lin; Zoë Bywater
Angela Wynter; Atsuko Kamura; David Cumming; Elaine Mitchener; Elin Morgan; Ellen Slatkin; Emma Gladstone; George Siena; Huw Morgan; Ian Garside; Ino Riga; Ishimwa; Jason Thorpe; Jayson Gray; John Paul Gandy; Karima El Amrani; Kate Lane; King San Lo; Laura McDermott; Nicolas Ricchini; Peter Groom; Phil Minton; Sally McKenna; Sam Coren; Sara Augieras; Saskia Godwin; Simone Stewart; Tania Harrison; Taylor Han; Xinxin Song; Stuart Heyes; Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts; Barbican Centre; Dance Umbrella; Islington Arts Factory; Fuel; Latitude Festival; Rose Lipman; Theatre Peckham
Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, London
24, 25 April 2019
Cast, Doncaster
8 May 2019
Portsmouth, New Theatre Royal
15, 16 May 2019
Oxford Playhouse, Oxford
20, 21 May 2019
“Dizzying, transfixing – some kind of genius […] I often found myself doubting if the choreography was humanly possible. They are insects; they are fluid; they are animal.”
British Theatre Guide
“['On The High Road'] is as interested in how individual muscles flex, bodies move and relationships form as it is with the wider picture of choreographed group behaviour.”
Exeunt
“Truly stunning scenes emerge, with actors transforming into a single, liquid-like form, floating up and down the uneasy stage setting.”
Oxford Mail
“Beautiful to listen to and mesmerising to watch.”
Oxford Daily Info
