VDKL works mostly in non-theatre locations and rehearsals are commonly open to the public, who are encouraged to look up and ask questions. We work with climbing equipment to find creative and exciting solutions to choreographic concepts. The company is small and creatively flexible and is very open to discussing any ideas, including working to a specific brief. Our work is usually developed in close collaboration with a range of individuals and institutions. We also have a close and highly valued productive relationship with Galeri in Caernarfon since 2011, where we have produced 4 new works: Ynghlwm (2011), Pobl Dre (2012), Gwymon (2013) and Omnibus (2016). Recently we have developed new relationships with Pontio in Bangor (Porth 2015 and Invisible Light 2016), and Venue Cymru in Llandudno (Hints to Lady Travellers 2015), where VDKL is company in residence. Work is usually produced at a specific site, but can be moved if handled with care!
Commissions and Consultancy
Kate Lawrence and Simon Edwards worked on commissions with The Beat Carnival in Belfast from 2009 – 2011, producing 2 vertical dance works for Belfast City Hall and Ulster Museum. They have also worked with Circus Bone Idle on two productions: Off the Wall and Raschmunzel (Linz Pflasterspektakl commission). Recent commissions include Aviatrix (2012) for Adain Avion, Porth (2015) for Pontio, Hints to Lady Travellers (2015) for Llawn 03/Venue Cymru and Cuddio/Ceisio – Hide/Seek for Llawn 04. VDKL also undertakes consultancies advising on vertical dance techniques. These range from helping with training and rigging (Theatr Bara Caws, Pachamama Productions and The Abyss) to performing and rigging elements of theatre productions (National Theatre Wales – The Gathering, 2015). In 2016 we collaborated with local indie/folk band, 9Bach on a major production called Lle/chi at Pontio responding to the slate quarrying industry in North Wales. Kate is planning to develop this interest with a new work for theatres in 2017.