I’ve blogged before about the writer finding inspiration via other art forms, be it visual art, poetry or even comedy.
Recently, I’ve gained a lot of inspiration from the dance world. And one of the shows that started this interest, ‘Agnes and Walter’ has just launched a UK tour.
‘Agnes and Walter’ is compelling dance theatre. A love story tinkling with magic and fun, the piece is accessible to a broad audience.
However, for me, the most significant aspect of ‘Agnes and Walter’ is the exploration of human playfulness, creativity and imagination (i.e. art) which provide pockets of escape along life’s mundane path. And importantly, the show does not shy from investigating the close proximity of fantasy and insanity. It also encourages reflection on relationships, gender roles, and the passing and impact of time.
‘Agnes and Walter’ is punctuated by an eclectic musical score which includes live chansons, rock music and a specifically composed piano accompaniment. This music supplies moments of reflection and forms the bridges and borders between the quotidian world, the fantasy and beyond.
The relationship between reality and fantasy is perfectly symbolized in the show’s focal prop, a weathered garden shed that plays host to dreams, dance and love-making.
A blend of moving and comic theatre, ‘Agnes and Walter’ succeeds because it is quietly clever and thought provoking, yet remains all the while entertaining.
‘Agnes and Walter’ is devised by dance maker Neil Paris of SMITH Dance Theatre and is a must see if you’re in or near any of the following UK cities:
Norwich, Cambridge, Corby, Bridport, Lancaster, Nottingham, Luton, Bornemouth, Frome, Halifax, Stockton, Newcastle, Edinburgh and North Hykeham.
http://link.event.ly/v/262/2ef2a15113a476798cf9bf5e4f4c6e0cce60331af77e512c
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About suehealy
From Ireland, Sue Healy is Literary Manager at the Finborough Theatre, London, a full-time Lecturer in Creative Writing at the University of Lincoln. Her book on theatre literary management is published by Routledge, December 2022.
Sue is an award-winning writer for stage, TV, and prose writer.
TV
Her current project, a 6x60minute TV series, is under option. She is under commission with Lone Wolf Media, producers behind PBS’ “Mercy Street”, to co-write the pilot and treatment for a six-part TV series.
Stage
Her most recent stage-play, Imaginationship (2018), enjoyed a sold out, extended run at the Finborough and later showed at the Stephen Joseph Theatre in Scarborough. Her previous stage productions include Cow (Etcetera Theatre, 2017) and Brazen (King’s Head Theatre, 2016), funded by Arts Council England. Sue’s short plays have been performed at the Criterion (Criterion New Writing Showcase), Arcola (The Miniaturists) and Hackney Attic (Fizzy Sherbet Shorts).
Radio
Her radio work includes nine plays broadcast on BBC Radio 4 (Opening Lines winner), WLRfm and KCLR96fm.
Prose
Sue has won The Molly Keane Award, HISSAC Prize, Escalator Award, Meridian Prize and has been published in nine literary journals and anthologies including: The Moth, Flight, Tainted Innocence, New Writer, Duality, HISSAC, New European Writers. She has been writer-in-residence on Inis Oírr, Aran Islands, and at the Heinrich Boll Cottage on Achill Island. She has also benefitted from annual artist residencies at the Tyrone Guthrie Centre, and at Ginestrelle, Assisi in Italy.
An academic with a PhD in modern theatre history, specifically the Royal Court Theatre, Sue has presented her research internationally. She spent eleven years in Budapest, editing Hungary A.M. She has a PhD in modern theatre history (Royal Court Theatre) and is a UEA Creative Writing MA alumnus.
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suehealy 
October 9th, 2012 at 01:04
Thanks! Crossing the Atlantic might post a bit of an obstacle. I may just see a movie instead. I agree with you about creativity being prompted by different kinds of art. I am amazed at how often I’ll see a movie and come home and *have* to write. It’s like an internal button, that says, “Create!”
October 22nd, 2012 at 17:53
Yes, I often am inspired by other mediums – especially movies or music. ‘Agnes and Walter’ sounds fascinating. Thanks for sharing!