about the postcard project
The postcard project (formerly Carte Postale), is a unique project that sees Casson & Friends take up residence in a town or city for 7-14 days, creating new works with professional dancers and local communities. These works are often choreographed entirely by members of the public, and rehearsed in public spaces.
Taking inspiration from the place, it’s inhabitants, and their memories - the work is created and rehearsed in various spaces across the city, producing a unique ‘dancing postcard’ - a tribute to the town or city through movement, and a celebration of the creativity within us all!
previous postcard projects
Postcard project: derby (2021)
Our third postcard was created and presented as part of Derby Festé, the annual festival of performance and commissioned by Derby CAN. The work was created through conversations with long-time Derby residents and new arrivals to the city, in a range of locations including public parks, refugee day centres, and the local Derbion shopping centre. A 10 minute performance was presented at Déda as part of the festival, and the shorter Postcard film was created with filmmaker, Malachy Luckie.
Choreography by Tim Casson and the performers in collaboration with communities in Derby
Performed by Ihsaan de Banya, Matthew Winston & Jonny Aubrey-Bentley
Film by Malachy Luckie
Music: Such Great Dreams by Skygaze
Executive Producer: Ian Abbott
Commissioned by DerbyCAN with Derby Theatre, Derby Festé, and Déda.
With thanks to Jonny Aubrey-Bentley, Hubbub Theatre, Kate Tyler, Paul Broesmith, Bethany Sheldon, Andy Mandoiou, Care4Calais, Derby Refugee Solidarity, and Derbion.
Carte postale: ipswich (2018)
Our second Carte Postale was created and presented as part of Ipswich’s PhotoEast festival. The work was created in and around DanceEast and centred around Ipswich’s waterfront and rich maritime history. The final performance was presented at DanceEast as part of the festival in collaboration with local artist Bill Jackson. The film was created with long-time collaborator, Alisa Boanta.
Concept & Direction: Tim Casson
Performed by Guillaume Loslier-Pinard and Roxanne Dupuis
Live Performance (15 minutes) 26th May 2018 at DanceEast
Film by Alisa Boanta
Project Producer Helen Dawson
Supported and Commissioned by Festival Quartiers Danses, DanceEast, Greenwich Dance, Quebec Government and British Council.
Carte postale: Montréal (2017)
Our first Carte Postale was created and presented as part of the 15th Festival Quartiers Danses in Montréal, Canada. The work was created in and around the city, and the finished work was presented at the Place des Arts’ Cinquième Salle, and outdoors at the Place Émilie-Gamelin. A film was also created in collaboration with a local filmmaker.
Concept & Direction: Tim Casson
Performed by Guillaume Loslier-Pinard and Roxanne Dupuis
Live Performance (15 minutes) 15th September 2017 at Place des Arts
Film by Philip Fortin
Project Producers Helen Dawson & Emily Labhart
Supported and Commissioned by Festival Quartiers Danses, DanceEast, Greenwich Dance, Quebec Government and British Council.
promoter information
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quotes
“We were pleased with the idea that it was around what you liked about somewhere , rather than what you didn’t like, because it’s so easy to be critical. It’s reminded us just how luck we are to live here...”
“The Postcard Project enabled me to share all the things I love about Derby and reflect on how I spend my time here.
It was great to recollect just how many wonderful things happen in this city. And then the real magic began... the dancers turned my words, thoughts and experiences into dance moves and a sequence began to emerge right before my eyes!
Derby Festé is always a highlight of the year for me. I’ve often looked at the dance performances and wondered what inspires the moves and how they are put together and now I’ve had a first-hand glimpse behind the scenes.
I walked out of their rehearsal space in a daze and told everyone who’d listen about the magical experience I’d just had co-creating a dance routine with very talented dancers.
I felt so proud when they performed it live. I bought a few friends and family along to watch and I’d like to say the bits relating to my story were obvious to them as we all nudged each other and pointed, but I think the smile on my face probably gave it away.
But the magic didn’t stop there... A chance encounter led to me being in the right place at the right time as they filmed the routine in Darley Park the day after Derby Festé. I cheered as they “wrapped” their final shoot and a family picnicking nearby started cheering too. Thank you for curating the magic Casson &Friends!” ”
images
Guillaume Loslier-Pinard & Roxanne Dupuis in rehearsal with Tim Casson at Place des Arts in Montréal (Image: Jackie Hopfinger)
dive deeper
Watch our behind the scenes video to find out how we made a dance about Ipswich, and what the locals think of it!