Working in partnership for the people of Herefordshire
How the River Flows
Extra Choices in Herefordshire (ECHO) was established in 1990 to enable people with learning and physical disabilities to take part in education and social activities in their local community. ECHO now provides over 30 hours of activity a week and supports 130 people per year.ECHO offers opportunities to take part in music, drama, arts and crafts, as well as organising educational classes in subjects such as pottery, rural crafts and basic skills.
About Face Theatre Company is a very successful part of the ECHO charity. Already with a proven track record of education workshops in schools, it is a unique drama company in Herefordshire. It is the county’s only theatre company for actors with learning disabilities, although its themes do not directly tackle disability issues.
Undercurrents
About Face, researched, rehearsed and revised a play called Undercurrents. The show toured schools in the Herefordshire Rivers catchment area, primarily around the north and west of the county, and finished in May 2005.
Undercurrents was set in a bizarre and colourful bed & breakfast establishment. It dealt with issues of river pollution, not just through watching a performance but also through the audience participating in two days of follow-up workshops that completed the story. After working in groups, the children attended a trial with a river god to plead the case of the mortals and save the planet from the effects of man's wastefulness.
The play was written by acclaimed Midlands writer Therese Collins, designed by Andrew Purvin, included original music by Kate Hardy, costumes by Tia Swann and was directed by Jess MacKenzie.
A public performance of Undercurrents was performed at The Forbury Workshop in Leominster on 5 April 2005.
Jess MacKenzie
(01568) 616301
Email: jessmackenzie@tiscali.co.uk