Dreams and Ruin was a magical promenade event created in response to, and performed within, Witley Court, a Grade I Listed ruin in Worcestershire. Ravaged by fire in 1937, leaving only a spectacular facade with sweeping stairs and colonnades, Witley Court was one of the great Victorian country houses of England.
Dreams and Ruin brought together a remarkable team of acclaimed choreographers, dancers, artists, musicians and 200 community and professional performers in late spring 2005.
Combining ensemble dancers with buckets and sheets, flocks of menacing crows, a bawdy feast at a giant table, glorious ballgowns on dappled summer lawns and a balcony scene drawing on both Shakespearean and fairytale imagery, Dreams and Ruin presented memories of past splendour and decadence alongside the wild inhabitants who live in the ruin today.
Premiered| 16 June 2005,
Witley Court, UK
Credits Conceived & Directed by
Kevin Finnan
Production team Producer
Rose Beeston Original Music
Sophy Smith & Tim Dickinson Costume Design
Worcester Arts Workshop Set Design
Worcester Arts Workshop Production Manager
Deborah Rees Photography
Robert Day
"It was almost unbelievable to see so many courageous performers, one of the best events I have ever attended" Audience Member
