INUA ELLAMS, BENJI REID AND FUEL
jerwood dancehouse
DanceEast is proud to present this new physical theatre show. Conceived by Inua Ellams and directed by Benji Reid the work is inspired by the UK’s basketball sub-culture and explores the battles between the human body and mind in this fast-paced game.
Fresh poetry combined with contemporary movement celebrates the elegance and beauty of basketball. Seen from a British perspective, The Spalding Suite gets to the heart and soul of the gravity-defying game and delves into the hopes and dreams of those who play it. Six dynamic performers mix live beatboxing, hip hop, music, moves and poetry, taking us from the fleeting high of the score and the robust camaraderie of the team, to the poignant lows of a body too worn to play the game.
Commissioned by Southbank Centre and Contact
Funded by Arts Council England and a Wellcome Trust Arts Award