At the end we begin
Taking inspiration from T.S. Eliot's classic series Four Quartets, At the end we begin consists of four compelling and arresting quartets of dance, based and named after each poem.Collectively, At the end we begin questions how time affects our understanding of ourselves as a point of departure and inhabits the derelict and sometimes turbulent landscape of Eliot's poetry. At the end we begin takes four individuals from a place of being lost to a state of empowerment and acceptance where they have found their own voice by journeying through Eliot's text.
With dramaturgy by Neus Gil Cortes, a freshly composed score by Samuel Hall and costume design by designer Hannah Taylor, At the end we begin is Richard Chappell Dance's most challenging and collaborative work to date.
PART1: BURNT NORTON
'Atthe still point of the turning world. Neither flesh nor fleshless;
Neitherfrom nor towards; at the still point, there the dance is,
Butneither arrest nor movement.' - T.S. Eliot, Burnt Norton
PART2: EAST COKER
'Theknowledge imposes a pattern, and falsifies,
Forthe pattern is new in every moment
Andevery moment is a new and shocking
Valuationof all we have been.'- T.S. Eliot, East Coker
PART3: THE DRY SALVAGES
'Theriver is within us, the sea is all about us;
Thesea is the land's edge also, the granite
Intowhich it reaches, the beaches where it tosses
Itshints of earlier and other creation...' - T.S. Eliot, The DrySalvages
PART4: LITTLE GIDDING
'Weshall not cease from exploration
Andthe end of all our exploring
Willbe to arrive where we started
Andknow the place for the first time.'- T.S. Eliot, Little Gidding
The creation and touring of At the end we begin has been funded by Arts Council England, The Linbury Trust, Pavilion Dance South West and the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation and has been commissioned by Swindon Dance and Dancin' Oxford. From 2017-2018, the piece has been supported by Studio Wayne McGregor, Swindon Dance, Dance in Devon, Plymouth Dance, National Dance Company Wales, Dance City, Arts at Dartington and The Point.
Photo: Jack Thomson Photography www.photographybyjackthomson.com