The cast and creative team have been announced for Return to the Forest, a new immersive production from Theatre-Rites and Gregory Maqoma that blends dance, puppetry and storytelling for audiences aged 8 and above.
A Theatre-Rites and Factory International co-production, co-commissioned by Sadler’s Wells, Return to the Forest will make its world premiere at Aviva Studios, Manchester from 7 to 10 May, before transferring to Sadler’s Wells East from 28 to 30 May.
The production invites audiences into a museum where precious objects appear trapped behind glass. As night falls, these objects stir and summon the remaining visitors into a landscape that shifts from museum corridors to a magical forest. Through dance and mesmerising puppetry, the show follows five performers as they attempt to lead ancient objects back to nature.
Marking Theatre-Rites’ 30th anniversary, Return to the Forest reunites the company with South African choreographer Gregory Maqoma following their collaboration on The Global Playground at Manchester International Festival 2021. The production is directed by Theatre-Rites Artistic Director Sue Buckmaster, renowned for her distinctive puppetry practice.
Featuring objects including an Ishoba, an ancient map and a Gelede mask, the story follows the group on a daring quest as they attempt to return the artefacts to the natural world. With a surveillance camera watching their every move, the performers attempt what appears to be a heist, though the objects themselves seem to be guiding them home.
Director Sue Buckmaster said: “I feel honoured to have this opportunity to co-create once more with Gregory and a brilliant collaborating team. It feels very special to be able to make an original performance which is for children and adults to share and experience together. I am super excited to combine some contemporary masquerade and puppet figure concepts with exquisite dancers. I hope the experience will offer the artists involved and the audiences who attend, a precious moment to ponder on and celebrate the importance of the interdependence of nature and human nature.”
Choreographer Gregory Maqoma said: “Return to the Forest with Sue Buckmaster and Theatre-Rites opens a space for audiences to engage not only with culture, but with heritage and the deeper question of what still matters in the world. It is a shared journey into the forest to discover, to renew, and to learn.”
Factory International’s Artistic Director and Chief Executive John McGrath said: “We’re thrilled to be working once again with Theatre-Rites and world-renowned choreographer Gregory Maqoma – a creative collaboration born of Manchester International Festival in 2021. Five years on, Return to the Forest combines their expertise to create a visually stunning, energetic and thought-provoking arts experience for all ages.”
The creative team includes director Sue Buckmaster, choreographer Gregory Maqoma, and collaborators from Theatre-Rites and Factory International. Further casting details have not yet been announced.
Return to the Forest runs at Aviva Studios, Manchester from 7 to 10 May, and at Sadler’s Wells East, London from 28 to 30 May.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
