Cane Warriors

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“The work in progress version of State of Emergency's adaptation of Alex Wheatle's book ‘Cane Warriors’ that came to Brixton House one night only at the end of June 2024 was a privilege to see. Such an accomplished piece of work - and whatta cast! With one lucky (and talented) exception, a young apprentice dancer, the people onstage were exceptional and experienced performers giving their full-bodied all to a danced narrative that was conveyed - and with considerable clarity and undeniable dramatic power - non-verbally. All this, plus exhilarating percussive live music. If this was what the highly creative people involved were able to achieve quickly, and probably on a limited budget, I can only imagine what they'd be able to do with more time and greater resources.” Donald Hutera (freelance arts writer for The Times, The Stage, etc. and devising performer)

​State of Emergency's interpretation for dance theatre of the novel ‘Cane Warriors’ by Guardian Prize winner Alex Wheatle tells the story of Tacky’s Revolt or Tacky’s War, a slave uprising that took place in Jamaica in 1760. The initial work in progress production was performed to great applause and critical acclaim, at University of Bedfordshire Theatre, Arnolfini Bristol and Brixton House Theatre, London.

For the research and development phase, State of Emergency brought together a team of exceptional artists and performers, including Deborah Baddoo (Dancer/Choreographer), Steve Marshall (Director/Composer), Michael Joseph (Dancer/Choreographer), Bawren Tavaziva (Dancer/Choreographer), Nosiphiwo Samente (Dancer/Choreographer), Bafana Solomon Matea (Dancer), Theophilous Alade (Dancer), Camron Youngsam (Dancer), Kenrick Rowe (Composer) and Alan Weekes (Composer), to develop their concept, and the creation of new original choreography and music. Click here for more information about the creative team.

Alongside the performances, the company delivered a programme of workshops in schools and other community venues, devised by Keisha Grant and Ellen Miller, and curated a range of online activity including a webinar series, and two virtual galleries presenting films and photography. Click here to find out more about workshops and community engagement.

This project is supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, State of Trust, and Beckford Tower Trust, thanks to money raised by National Lottery players.
 
Alex Wheatle, author of Cane Warriors, said: "The real story of Chief Tacky’s rebellion has been passed down through generations of my mother’s family who resided in Richmond, St Mary’s parish in Jamaica – very close to the plantations where Chief Tacky and his Cane Warriors toiled and planned their Easter rebellion in 1760. I was simply compelled to relate this story to the wider world and I’m very proud that State of Emergency will tell the story in the art form of dance. Indeed, the Cane Warriors will be honoured."
 
State of Emergency’s directors, Deborah Baddoo MBE and Steve Marshall said: “When Alex Wheatle first approached us with a view to our making a dance interpretation of his novel, we didn’t realise what an uphill struggle it would be to achieve funding. Thanks to Bath Preservation Trust, and the synergy between the story and the history of Beckford’s Tower, we are now able to start working on what we believe will be an important work of African contemporary dance theatre. This production will allow us to pursue a long-term artistic vision, which began with the foundation of State of Emergency Limited in 1986, and to hone our skills as directors and performers. For us ‘Cane Warriors’ is the natural progression of all that has gone before.”
 
Commenting on the new project, Director of Museums Claire Dixon said: “We approached State of Emergency owing to their reputation for delivering powerful performances that tackle challenging social themes, and we look forward to working with them on this exciting project. It will enable us to explore more creative and artistic events, engage new and more diverse audiences, and embed this approach in the new museum programme when it opens in 2024. I would like to thank The National Lottery Heritage Fund, and National Lottery players, for their support in helping us to fully contextualise and reconfigure the story of Beckford’s Tower for a modern-day audience.”

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