The Lions Are Coming A Digital Stage commission
Set in a decaying nightclub, The Lions are Coming follows three individuals trapped in the aftermath of an invasion by a group of land-hungry dogs. Once a central place for their community, they find their home reduced to a wasteland and on the verge of redevelopment.
Inspired by the ideas of rebirth in the classic dance piece The Rite of Spring, Director Folu Odimayo uses the setting of a queer club to look at wider themes of gentrification and colonialism. The film explores the resilience of marginalised and oppressed communities in their fight for reclaiming their spaces and lands, and the power of dance as an engine for change, togetherness and joy.
This film is part of The Classics ReFramed commission series. After a public call out in early 2024, three artists were selected to create a short dance film which takes inspiration from a classic piece of work and reimagines it for our time.
Content Warning
Recommended for ages 12+.
This film contains flashing lights, smoking, and some graphic imagery. The film features the artist’s personal views on geopolitical issues and conflicts.
Credits
Director and Choreographer: Folu Odimayo
Writer and Narrator: Folu Odimayo
Producer: Jahmarley Bachelor
DOP and Colourist: Anibal Castaño
Set and Costume Designer: Fanette Perrineau
Costume Designer and Wardrobe Assistant: Holly Holburn
Composer: Harvey Causon
Rehearsal Director: Maya Milet
1st AD: Genevieve Reeves
Gaffer: Sam Moss
1st AC: Will Brown
Production Assistant: Luigi Nardone
BTS Photography: Camilla Greenwell
Catering: Emily Perry
Editors: Sarah Vaughan-Jones and Genevieve Reeves
Audio Describer: Amanda Bright
Witch: ELLE FIERCE
Faun: Natnael Dawit
Snake: Emma Belabed
Corporate Dogs:
Bea Calzado
Angus Bartlett
Paris Fitzpatrick
Spring Ravers:
Imogen Alvares
Euan Garrett
Sophie Ormiston
William James (JJ)
Hugh Nianias
Elisabeth Mulenga
Yilin Kong
Artemis Stamouli
Emily Mytton
Commissioned by Sadler’s Wells Digital Stage & Studio
Director of Digital Stage & Studio: Bia Oliveira
Senior Content Manager: Jen Richards
Producer: Ciara Lynch
Digital & Content Apprentice: Emma Cosgrove
Digital & Content Officer: Ella Murphy-O’Neil
Video & Digital Specialist: Sarah Vaughan-Jones
Junior Videographers: James Hedgecock & Pearl Salamon-White
Marketing Consultant: Izzy Madgwick
Venue support from Candid Arts Trust
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