As dusk falls, a museum returns to the forest
- Robert Beale
- Mar 21
- 1 min read
A family show on the theme of the natural world, premiering at Manchester's Aviva Studios in May (7-10), is an immersive production blending dance and puppetry,
suitable for age eight and above.
A Theatre-Rites and Factory International co-production, co-commissioned by Sadler’s Wells, Return to the Forest is choreographed by South African Gregory Maqoma (who created The Global Playground for Manchester International Festival in 2021) and directed by Sue Buckmaster.
Audiences are invited into a museum, in which precious objects are kept to be seen but never touched.
As dusk falls, the objects stir, yearning to be free. Return to the Forest explores how heritage is not something to be locked away but a living, breathing force demanding respect and care.
In a high-energy performance, audiences are guided in promenade from the museum to an enchanted forest, as five performers go back into nature, magically transported by precious objects.
Puppetry expert Sue Buckmaster, who is artistic director of Theatre-Rites, said: “I am excited to combine some contemporary masquerade and puppet figure concepts with exquisite dancers.”
More info and tickets here
