K2CO announces spring tour of 5 Soldiers – The Body is The Frontline

5 SOLDIERS – The Body is The Frontline, the award-winning dance production created by choreographer Rosie Kay, returns to the UK stage across April and May 2023 opening at Norwich Theatre Playhouse (20-22 Apr) before heading to Blackpool Grand Theatre (12 May) and Theatre Royal Bath (14 May).

With recent examples that have drawn international attention, such as the war in Ukraine, the first European war since the Balkans, and the aftermath of the evacuation of Afghanistan severely affecting women’s rights, a country’s use of the military as a tool of power is still highly relevant, political and, in some cases, controversial.

This latest version of 5 SOLDIERS, which uses dance to explore the stories of a group of combatants who become fractured by war, is a thrilling and humane portrait of army life telling the stories of three men and two women serving off and on the front line. Highlighting the preparation for war, the personality traits of the soldiers, the off-duty camaraderie, boredom, high-jinx and horseplay, as well as the deeply important and at times contradictory role of women in the Armed Forces.

Sparked by a dance injury and her psychological response to it Rosie Kay, renowned for her extensive and often immersive research when creating new work, asked the armed forces for help and was offered an opportunity to embed on manoeuvres with 4th Battalion The Rifles near Salisbury, as well as residencies at the military rehabilitation centre Headley Court and the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine. The result was 5 SOLDIERS.

Endorsed by the UK Armed Forces and British Military for its insight and dramatic portrayal of life in the military, 5 SOLDIERS has received praise from serving soldiers, veterans, peace activists, critics and civilians alike. It has toured to Army barracks and drill halls in London and across England and has been live streamed internationally by The Army and BBC Arts Digital. The acclaimed production has also toured internationally to Europe and twice to the USA

5 SOLDIERS is a partnership between the arts and the UK Armed Forces and British Military. Deeply realistic, stark and thrilling, 5 SOLDIERS offers no moral stance on war, but instead questions what it is that we ask of our soldiers and explores how the human body remains essential to war, even in the 21st century, with Kay’s trademark intense physical and athletic dance theatre.

Jan Teo, Chair of K2CO said: “We are delighted that 5 SOLDIERS will be back out on tour in 2023 – a fabulous testament to Rosie’s passion and dedication for her much acclaimed production which tackles the themes of war from a woman’s point of view and is, sadly, still very poignant today.” Jan continued: “I am delighted that Arts Council England continues to support Rosie’s art and creativity. The launch of K2CO reignites Rosie’s work with a powerful maturity and a personal clarity about how she will communicate to and engage with her audiences.”

K2CO also gratefully acknowledges funding from ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, the Army’s national charity for soldiers, past and present, and their families for life.

The national and international cast of 5 SOLDIERS includes: Amy Groves, Officer (Ballet Cymru; trained at  London Contemporary Dance School); Annelise Bucher, Medic (The Boston Conservatory for Contemporary Dance Performance, London Contemporary Dance School, DIAVOLO Dance Theatre, Psychopomp Dance Theatre); Chander van Daatselaar, Squaddie (Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, Dansblok and the Nationale Operette, Water Perry Festival); Frank Hickman, Sergeant, (Autin Dance Theatre, 5 Soldiers (US Tour), Highly Sprung, Commonwealth Games Birmingham Opening ceremony) and Gregor Campbell, Squaddie (first professional dance production).

Commenting on the cast Rosie said: “We have a really strong cast for the 2023 tour of 5 Soldiers, many of whom have family connections to the military including Frank Hickman who plays the Sergeant. His nan’s uncle received the Victoria Cross medal in 1918 for his service in the first world war.  And we are delighted to offer the opportunity for Gregor Campbell, who graduated just before the pandemic hit, to dance his first professional role.”

5 SOLDIERS is choreographed and directed by Rosie Kay who was nominated for a National Dance Award 2022 for Outstanding Female Performance (Modern) for Absolute Solo II.   Set, costume and video by Louis Price; Music composed by Annie Mahtani with Lighting design by Mike Gunning.

5 SOLDIERS offers a rare, front row insight into the effects of war on the mind and body told through dance and provides an alternative perspective to Kay’s original 5 SOLDIERS.

Running alongside the main stage performance at Norwich Theatre Playhouse will be Rosie Kay’s award-winning engagement programme INCUBATE.

INCUBATE will see K2CO work with 6 students aged 17-22 from Norfolk Institute of Performing Arts.  Choreographed by newly returning local dance artist Ben Nash, alongside composer of his new work Gary Owston, INCUBATE will provide the opportunity for the students to perform a short dance piece on stage on Saturday 22 April prior to the main performance of 5 Soldiers.