February 9, 2016

Gary Clarke talks about his production of, ‘COAL’ showing at DanceXchange, 11 – 13 February 

Marking the 30th anniversary of the end of the 1984/5 British miners’ strike, award winning choreographer Gary Clarke proudly presents COAL, a riveting dance theatre show which takes an nostalgic look at the hard hitting realities of life at the coal face. Strong, powerful and emotive, COAL explores the darker underbelly of the mining industry unearthing the true nature and body wrecking demands of a working class industry now almost forgotten. Bringing together Clarke’s striking physical language performed by a company of 7 high class dancers, a local community cast of women and a live brass colliery band, COAL is an emotional, moving and ever-relevant exploration of community, solidarity and survival.

COAL is co-commissioned by DanceXchange; Cast Doncaster; The Place; Dance City; Dance4 with Nottingham Playhouse; The Civic Barnsley; Yorkshire Dance, with additional funds from, The National Lottery through Arts Council England, Individual Giving through kick-starter with support from The Northern School of Contemporary Dance and The NUM.

Age guidance: 12yrs+ // Running time: 125 minutes including interval

FREE post-show talk: Friday 12 February

Tickets: £12 // £8 concessions