Crown - Company She

ABOUT THE SHOW
CROWN// is the UKs first touring production combining classical Persian dance, contemporary dance, and Sufi whirling to tell a story of displacement, identity, and body sovereignty to an original soundtrack of live classical music and electronica.Maria Tarokh directs this female-led production. The cast feature brilliant contemporary and classical dancers and virtuoso classical Persian musicians to bring you a moving, exhilarating, and energetic experience.CROWN// is a manifestation of female strength; it is an opportunity to reclaim what we lose through displacement. Using Persian miniatures, lived experience and the poetry of Forough Farrokhzad, the 3 lead dancers take the audience on a journey from determination through struggle to release. Finding courage, resilience, and joy along the way.CROWN is a celebration of the transformation which takes place when we realise home is within ourselves.ABOUT THE COMPANY
Maria Tarokh is a British-Iranian Dancer, Choreographer, Movement Director & Director. Trained in ballet, contemporary and Classical Persian dance, she has performed and taught at shows, festivals and events across the UK and Europe for the past 14 years. A second-generation immigrant to the UK, she has worked extensively with refugees and asylum seekers and fully believes in the power of the arts to transform and empower people and places.She founded Company SHE to tell stories of the diaspora and bring a new perspective to the portrayal of displacement. CROWN is Company SHEs flagship production, She created the Company to tell stories of the diaspora and bring a new perspective to the portrayal of displacement. Company SHE runs SHE Moves in Exeter for refugee and asylum seeking women and global majority girls.Recent Movement Direction credits include the RSCs production of ENGLISH a Pulitzer prize winning play by Sanaz Toosi. Recent Choreography credits include Exeter Northcott Theatres production of Romeo & Juliet.SUPPORT
Supported with funding from Arts Council England.ABOUT 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.