Theatre in Schools Scotland returns to Orkney bringing Curious Seed’s internationally acclaimed dance theatre production Chalk About and workshops to schools in Sanday, Westray and Stronsay 

Theatre in Schools Scotland, National Theatre of Scotland and Imaginate’s successful schools touring project, is bringing Curious Seed’s live dance performance Chalk About and accompanying workshops into Sanday Community School on 31 October, Westray Junior High School on 2 November and Stronsay Junior High School on 3 November 2022 for pupils from P4 to S4. OIC Arts Officer

The performances are supported by Orkney Islands Council Arts Development service and NorthLink Ferries.

Emma Gee, Orkney Islands Council Arts Officer commented:

“I’ve been looking forward to Chalk About touring to Orkney for a couple of years. The focus of the piece is about your sense of self and the self that others see, and the need to open up conversations about this especially after the last two years that pupils have been through with Covid-19. 

“The work is aimed at upper primary and lower secondary students and is perfect for our Junior High Schools, and is the first time that Theatre In Schools Scotland has toured to our ferry-linked Isles. The relationship with TISS has become very special over the last three years, and I’m excited that we have yet another new development with this tour”

Theatre in Schools Scotland has been bringing performances to Orkney since 2016 and is delighted to be continuing its ongoing relationship with the Islands’ schools and Orkney Islands Council Arts Development team.

Chalk About, presented by award-winning dance performance company, Curious Seed, is a playful, funny and sometimes moving dance piece for children and young people, looking at life experiences, how we see ourselves and how we relate to others. The stage turns into a gigantic chalkboard and two performers, Holly Irving and Sky Su, find inventive new ways to share their stories through dance, chalk and chat. It’s a joyful, thought-provoking show that has been enjoyed by audiences across the globe from Sydney Opera House to Sadlers Wells (London). 

Curious Seed will also be presenting workshops in school before the performance.

In 2020 Theatre in Schools Scotland worked with Orkney Islands Council Arts Development team to create a unique interactive digital version of Shona Reppe’s Potato Needs a Bath for Nursery and P1 classes which was experienced online by twelve schools and earlier this year Barrowland Ballet’s award-winning interactive video installation Family Portrait and outdoor workshops visited P4 – P7 pupils in a further five schools.

Anna Derricourt, Theatre in Schools Scotland Producer says:

“We are delighted to be able to continue our strong relationship with Orkney Islands schools in partnership with Orkney Islands Council Arts Development service. Theatre in Schools Scotland aims to provide any child in any school in Scotland with the opportunity to experience a live arts performance.

“Having returned to five of the Orkney mainland schools earlier this year, we are delighted to be able to visit Sanday, Westray and Stronsay this October.”

Theatre in Schools Scotland, produced by Imaginate and National Theatre of Scotland, brings exciting live theatre and dance shows into schools and nurseries all over Scotland and is looking forward to reconnecting with pupils and teachers in schools over the coming year. Its annual touring programme is informed by teachers and features Scottish performing companies and artists specialising in theatre and dance for young people. Productions are designed specifically with schools in mind and are suitable for classes from Nursery to P7. The programme is year-round and booking is available throughout Scotland. 

Curious Seed is an award-winning performance company based in Edinburgh presenting compelling dance theatre performances across the globe. Formed in 2005 by Scottish choreographer Christine Devaney, the company presents work that questions the world we live in; work which touches and moves people, unlocking new ways of experiencing and feeling something different about the world. 

Chalk About was originally created by Curious Seed’s Artistic Director Christine Devaney together with Leandro Kees (Performing Group) and commissioned by Imaginate.