Gabrielle with Fay Simpson
The Outsiders
A physical story of survival…
The Outsiders was a project supported by funding from Arts Council England and with support from Theatre Royal Margate and Chalkfoot Theatre Arts. It was a collaboration between Gabrielle Moleta and Fay Simpson (founder of Lucid Body), two movement directors from different continents, who shared a desire to draw a new piece of theatre using their respective movement disciplines as the creative hub of the work. It was performed at Central Studios Margate and at the PANEK Showcase at The Quarterhouse, Folkestone.
A mother, a daughter, a stranger and a community. What happens when an animal is wounded and basic needs collide? A compelling physical story of survival.
The absorbing and moving story of a girl, new to a tight village community, who comes across a wounded deer in the surrounding woods. As she struggles to help the animal, she is aided by a man all the villagers despise, and whom her mother has forbidden her to approach.
As the deer slowly heals, so a new, and dangerous, friendship develops.
Using sparse text, movement both stylised and choreographed, and a live and recorded soundscape, the action unfolds on stage and around the audience, drawing towards an unexpected and terrifying conclusion. Four actors switch effortlessly between the animals, humans - and animals within the humans - that make up this community in crisis.
The Outsiders is an unflinchingly truthful piece, examining the instincts that lie so close beneath the surface of civilisation, and the extraordinarily close relationship between joy and grief, laughter and violence. In its fairytale simplicity it is anguished and funny, raw and shocking.
Performers: Teena Antia, David Crowley, Gabrielle Moleta, Kelso Winnick
Directed by Gabrielle Moleta & Fay Simpson
Reaction to The Outsiders
“I thoroughly enjoyed [The Outsiders]. There were moments of honesty, beauty and profound immediacy. The potential for this work, particularly in light of the need for reconnection with the natural environment and a widespread love of animals, is exciting. I also think this work has potential to attract a non-theatre going audience.” - Pippa Bailey, Creative Director, Total Theatre
“I was absorbed. It was good to have humour and sadness, joy at relationship, tenderness to the vulnerable deer and ‘the gentleness of a
murderer’. Loved it!” - Audience member
“An excellent, inventive piece. Really interesting. Beautifully done - the simplicity was fantastic. Emotionally engaged the audience.” - Philip Dart, Artistic Director, Channel Theatre
“The whole piece was extremely emotional and resonant. Joy and grief so close together…. Extraordinary to get to this stage in a development week. A very strong story.” - Audience member
“Fantastic. I thought this was a really strong piece…anguished, exciting.” - Claudia Leaf, Chalkfoot Theatre Arts
“Well paced and acted very well.” - Audience member, Quarterhouse, Folkestone
“Moved me to tears. Brilliant acting… depth to their work.” - Audience member, Quarterhouse, Folkestone
Rehearsal photos by Chris Rose.