Theatre / insane root
Grief Encounter and Insane Root launch interactive memory trail around Arnos Vale
Immersive theatre company Insane Root staged an acclaimed promenade production of Hansel & Gretel throughout December 2021.
With three revolving casts, they put on multiple shows a day, all winding their way around the evocative surroundings of Arnos Vale Cemetery, followed by attentive audiences wrapped up in their winter layers.
As dusk turned to night, and the festoon lights glistened a little brighter around the tracks and trails, the power of site-specific theatre to tap into personal experience became startlingly apparent.
is needed now More than ever
Though it is shot through with darkness, Hansel & Gretel is a story about two individuals navigating their own journey of grief, emerging at the end, into a brighter and more hopeful future.
Set in the atmospheric environment of a cemetery, and in the context of the pandemic, this theme was thrown into even starker relief.
“Even in the darkness, you can always find some light.”
Feeling lost – photo: Jack Offord
Now, Insane Root and leading UK bereavement charity, Grief Encounter, have collaborated on an interactive memory trail around Arnos Vale that is designed to offer support and a local interactive resource for children, young people and their families affected by bereavement in any form.
Seven check points along the colour-in trail map (specially designed by Bristol artist Andy Council) contain activities related to the Hansel & Gretel story, intended to stimulate open conversations, and linked to clinically-based grief information and support.
Gingerbread House – photo: Jack Offord
“We are thrilled to have joined forces with Insane Root,” says Karmen Losey of Grief Encounter South West. “The trail will give visitors in the local area a stimulating and thoughtful experience that will provide guidance and support for anyone affected by the themes present in the production.
Co-founder and producer of Insane Root, Justin Palmer, reflects: “Inclusivity, access and community outreach are important to us.
“Our production gave us the opportunity to work with Grief Encounter which provides vital bereavement support services to children and young people. As a result, we created this legacy trail in the charity’s honour.”
The Memory Trail is free to access. To discover more about it, including a trail map and activities for every stop, go to www.griefencounter.org.uk/legacy-trail/. Further help and advice on grief is available at www.griefencounter.org.uk. Arnos Vale Cemetery is open daily – for information on upcoming events, go to www.arnosvale.org.uk. More information on Insane Root is available at www.insaneroot.org.uk.
Main photo: Craig Fuller
Read more: Review: Hansel & Gretel, Arnos Vale Cemetery – ‘A magical meander’
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