Originally created for The Cultural Spring in 2015, RUSH Hull was presented by Freedom Festival Arts Trust, Coasters Network, Hull UK City of Culture 2017, and Hull Creative People and Places.
RUSH was originally inspired by the post-2008 global cultural phenomenon of protest and riot, where people all over the world are showing their dissatisfaction with prevailing social and economic conditions by taking to the streets. Mass action has become an a staple of the TV news, from the first, peaceful demonstrations of the Arab Spring, to ordinary Brazilians protesting at the waste and extravagance of the FIFA World Cup, to students and young people in Hong Kong demanding democratic rights. Many would argue that the the 2011 London riots had their origins in legitimate grievances (lack of employment prospects, alienation from local and national politics, hostility to police tactics) even though they degenerated into violence and looting.
The conversation moved on, and the 2017 iteration of Rush consisted of six weeks of dance, writing and film workshop delivery in Hull, 2017 City of Culture to derive material that formed the show. The piece follows five archetypal characters; a zero hours worker, an office worker, young mothers, a homeless character, and nurses. Through the lens of their stories we told the wider story of the issues here people of Hull face.
“I feel I speak for many in that the biggest change was not any in the show, it was the change to our hearts, the change to our souls, and the change to our lives.”
Ruth Cunliffe
“You bring so much light, life, joy and kindness with you! I know you have changed our lives for the better. Thank you for RUSH Hull. It was a glorious blast!”
Elly Morlin Taylor
“What an amazing event to be a part of. I will remember it for ever and all the wonderful people involved in the whole spectacle. I felt privileged to be even performing in RUSH. I’ve never danced or performed in my life, this was my first experience. I can honestly say every member of the professional group were helpful, encouraging and so friendly to me. I shall never forget Southpaw” Carol Baldry
“An absolute privilege to have been a part of the community cast for RUSH 2017 for Hull’s Freedom Festival. A massive thank you to Robby and Co for an unforgettable experience.” Joanne Elliot
“Thanks Southpaw Company and the lovely people of Hull for a moving and thought-provoking performance” Bekah Horrigan
“Powerful, dramatic & huge performance by @SouthpawCompany directed by @Robby__Graham in a car park in Hull #ACEsupported @FreedomFestHull” Darren Henley
RUSH Hull commissioned by Freedom Festival Arts Trust.
RUSH is being restaged for Lightpool in Blackpool in October 2018 and is available for touring in 2019 and beyond.
Cast
Robert Anderson
Arran Green
Daniella May
Alicia Meehan
Kate Pillbeam
Tom Tindall
100 exceptional and committed local participants and dancers
Artistic Direction: Southpaw Dance Company
Artistic Director: Robby Graham
Choreography: Robby Graham & Dancers
Produced by Event International
Producer: Frank Wilson
Projection: Novak
Sound Recordist & Editing: Ed Carter
Production Management Graeme Nixon (TechSpec)
Sound and LX: Nitelites
Staging: Impact
Filmmaker: Darren ‘Jelly’ O Kane
Southpaw Dance Company would like to thank Dance City, Northumbria University and Sunderland College for their support
This project was made possible with support from Hull UK City of Culture 2017, Creative People and Places Hull, Coasters Touring Network