Us Folk - Richard Chappell Dance

ABOUT THE SHOW
Devons Richard Chappell Dance returns with their latest production Us Folk, a joyful and compassionate celebration of community.A powerful dance and music experience, Us Folk explores what folk culture can teach us about todays shared challenges. Reclaiming the spirit of togetherness, resilience, and collective celebration at the heart of folk practice, the work reimagines these traditions for a more inclusive present, inviting us to move forward together as a caring community.Featuring a cast of dancers, musicians, and poets, echoing the multidisciplinary nature of folk traditions, choreographer Richard Chappell blends contemporary dance, ballet, improvisation and contact work into an expressive performance by dancers Marla King, Sam Gilowitz and Maya Carroll.Set to a rich layered soundscape, with live music by acclaimed folk musicians and ceilidh callers Ben Moss and Maz McNamara, spoken word by leading poet Saili Katebe, and a bold, striking score by electronic music duo Larch, sampling the world-renowned Treorchy Male Voice Choir.Rooted in nature and community, Us Folk is an urgent yet uplifting call to empathy, celebrating the power of social dancing to reconnect us with one another and the world around us.PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
Running Time: 1 hourABOUT STERTS
Originally a pig farm, Sterts is a four acre site where nature and creativity collide and is home to the Barn Theatre (400 seats), multi-purpose Sturrock Studio (50-70 seats) and Community Hub. Following a period of major redevelopment in 2024, the original amphitheatre is now covered by a solar powered barn, which is run solely off renewable energy.The Barn Theatre has retained the original amphitheatre bench seating, so we recommend bringing a cushion to sit on.The Barn Theatre is wind and rain proof but is not a heated space. Therefore, we encourage you to dress for the weather and embrace the elements. Wrap up warm and bring a blanket especially in the spring and autumn.FOOD AND DRINK
Our on site bar stocks drinks from The Cornish Wine Company, snacks from Redmoor Snacks and Ice Cream from Treleavens Luxury Cornish Ice Cream. Our bar opens one hour before Barn Theatre performances. Sterts does not have an onsite cafe, so we recommend visiting one of our local pubs, restaurants or farm shops for pre-show food. Our bar is staffed by our wonderful volunteer team throughout the year. Audiences are welcome to bring a picnic to site but please do not bring alcohol to the premises.HOW TO GET HERE
Sterts Arts & Environmental Centre is in Upton Cross, just six miles from Liskeard, eight miles from Callington and ten miles from Launceston. Sterts is within easy reach of the A30 and A38, a one hour drive from Truro and 45 minute drive from Plymouth.Public Transport is limited. Want to limit your carbon footprint or save money on fuel? Check out the nationalLiftshare [https://liftshare.com/uk] network and find someone to share your journey with.PARKING
We havefree onsite parking, including disabled parking.From January 2026, we will have to 2 EV car charging points on our site. We recommend arriving in good time for each performance.ACCESSIBILITY
We have a registered Changing Place on site.
The Barn Theatre is a 150m walk from the car park with level access to seating at the top of the theatre.
Hand rails are installed on the far left and right of the seating. Our Barn Theatre does not have a lift or hearing loop, however there are plans to install these in the future. Our seating is unreserved, however we will always reserve seating for audience members with access needs and are happy to provide chairs if needed. Please contact us on 01579 362382 or hello@stertsarts.org and our team will be happy to help.