David Ellington: Extraordinary Bodies’ new show, Waldo’s Circus of Magic and Terror! (BSL)

English Transcript:

Hi my name is David Ellington (sign name) I am a freelance artist. I’d like to tell you a bit about the show Waldo’s circus of magic and terror. The story takes us back to 1933 in Berlin, Germany during the time of the Nazi dictatorship. The Nazi’s took thousands of books and burned them to represent their harsh refusal of policies and laws in society at that time.

Many people living in Germany tried to escape. Waldo’s circus performers are made up of deaf people, disabled people, and those who simply don’t fit the Nazi criteria of the ‘ideal German citizen.’ These people were shunned and formed their own groups, as they ran away to hide and found themselves in a big tent.

At the same time, Hitler and his Nazi army were hunting down Jewish people. The performers had to hide in fear for their lives before they may get captured by the Nazi’s, as they didn’t know what was in store for them.

This show is different to what has been created before. Previously (Extraordinary Bodies) created Delicate theatre which looked at ‘Who Am I?’ and ‘What is my worth?’ And now this is a new play which involves circus skills music and a range of skills to tell the story which has real historical links and research carried out for its development. For example, some of the words used in the show are words that were actually used in that era relating to the Nazi’s.

So, who is involved in the show? There are eleven performers with two deaf performers. These are Brooklyn Melvin who is playing a clown called Mish and Raphaella Julien who plays the clown, Mosh. As a pair of clowns they have great camaraderie and a really fun rapport with each other.

I have been involved in many parts of the shows development throughout the process. Firstly,I have been observing and supporting the BSL translation for the show as well as filming pieces for promotional and marketing purposes. I have also created a documentary which stems from the rehearsals until now to show how the process has gone.

Are you wondering what to expect if you come and see the show? If you come and see it, I assure you it will be something very unique. The set itself is set up in a very 1930s style with fantastic costumes with music and circus skills, there’s so much happening!

For accessibility you can expect to see an interpreter of course, as well as captions throughout too so you can choose what to look at on stage if you follow the access.

For me personally as I’ve been involved in this throughout the rehearsal process, it’s been so lovely! The assemble is made up of really skilled, talented artists, with unique talents that have really surprised me.

There is also dance and great choreography which Raphaella Julien has assisted with. I think it looks fantastic! So, the big question is – will you come and find out for yourself? Maybe you’ll be shocked, maybe not, why not take a look!

Waldo’s Circus of Magic and Terror by Extraordinary Bodies begins its tour on 20 March until 10 June. It will tour at: Bristol Old Vic, The Lowry Salford Quays, MAST Mayflower Studios Southampton, Lighthouse Poole, Theatre Royal Plymouth, and Brighton Dome.

Extraordinary Bodies is a vital collaboration between show-makers, Cirque Bijou, and Diverse City, a charity that champions diversity and equity in the performing arts.

For more information see: https://www.extraordinarybodies.org.uk/about/