Combining acrobatics, physical theatre and video projected onto water, Vessel is a visually stunning performance for the outdoors after dark. Bitter-sweet and overflowing with the visual poetry for which Acrojou is renowned, Vessel is the sequel to 2016’s highly acclaimed All at Sea.
What is a life well lived? What about the things you meant to do one day? In a time of social unrest, rising seas and escapes made in unworthy vessels, Vessel will be about the value of ‘now’, and whether it is ever possible to leave knowing you did enough.
An emotive tale to inspire and uplift, Vessel looks through the lens of death at how best to make use of the phenomenon we call life. How to remember to remember what matters, as we navigate our fast and overwhelmingly complex lives.
Supported by The National Lottery through Arts Council England. Co-commissioned by Vivacity Peterborough, ART31 and Tall Ships Festival Greenwich, in partnership with 101 at Corn Exchange Newbury, The Point Eastleigh, and Jasmin Vardimon Company.
Designed and directed by Jeni Barnard
Co-devised & performed by Tommaso Giacopini & Barney White
Set design, build and engineering by TMB Design Bristol & Richard Mowbray
Artistic firestarter: Holly Stoppitt
Technical production by Richard Mowbray
Film by Richard Dufty
Sound design by Ross Flight
Costume by Ilona Karas & Robbie Gordon
Set dressing by Iola Weir & Maddy Humberstone
Acrojou create highly visual circus and theatre performances for outdoor events worldwide. With backgrounds in circus, design, theatre and dance, they seek narrative at the meeting point of bodies, structures and materials. Their work is usually non-verbal, telling stories through physicality and visual design.
The company’s mission is to create ambitious performance with integrity: work addressing the human condition that is accessible, challenging, and crafted for presentation outdoors, where people of all ages and backgrounds can access it for free in their local spaces.
Performance crafted from circus, story and soul, Acrojou’s work has been seen live by hundreds of thousands of people across 17 countries. Led by artistic director Jeni Barnard, they are considered one of the UK’s leading circus and street arts companies.
Running Time: 50 minutes
Age Recommendation: All ages
Photo Credit: Steve Edwin Photography