North East dance company set to perform experimental series in natural Northumberland

A contemporary dance company focussed on widening access to the performing arts is preparing for a new series celebrating the natural beauty of Northumberland.

Founded in 2018 by Lily Horgan and Charlie Dunne, Meta4 Dance Company is planning a special live-streamed performance along the River Coquet, which flows from the Cheviot Hills to the east coast at Amble.

The series is called ‘Natural Theatres’ and is funded by Arts Council England.

Focussed on the importance of movement for all, ‘Natural Theatres’ seeks to encourage the use of non-traditional performance venues while also increasing accessibility for audiences of the arts.

Meta4’s co-founder and artistic creator, Lily Horgan, said: “During lockdown, our outside environment has become essential for mental & physical health.

“We want to suggest a new way to experience live performance, that reimagines the feeling of seeing it in person.

“It’s important that people who aren’t comfortable going back to theatres yet, are able to view a professional live performance from the comfort of their own home.”

Managing director Charlie Dunne added: “Northumberland is such a unique place and by combining the power of movement and the beauty of nature, we believe that local communities can be part of this journey with us, exploring these spaces from a new perspective.”

Meta4 has been working with two other dance companies – What’s That Dance and Pelican Theatre – to showcase some of the North East’s best cultural assets.

What’s That Dance recently stage a performance on the roof of Newcastle’s Castle Keep, for example.

The ‘Natural Theatres’ project will be live-streamed to YouTube and Facebook against the backdrop of the River Coquet on May 14.

Tickets for the event are charged at a ‘pay what you feel’ rate and more information about the performances and Meta4’s ongoing work in the region can be found by visiting their website – www.meta4dance.com