Download institute - Gecko Theatre

CONTENTS
ABOUT GECKO
CONTACTS
BOX OFFICE BRIEFING
INSTITUTE, THE STORY SO FAR
KEY SELLING POINTS & TARGET MARKETS
PREVIOUS PRESS COVERAGE
AUDIENCE FEEDBACK
PRESS & MARKETING IDEAS
SAMPLE MEDIA RELEASE
SAMPLE DIRECT MAIL
ABOUT GECKO
Gecko’s Mission
Gecko creates world-class theatre. It is visual, visceral and ambitious. We inspire,
move and entertain our audiences.
Founded in 2001, Gecko has become an award winning and internationally
acclaimed company, led by Artistic Director Amit Lahav. With an expanding
ensemble of international performers and makers, Gecko creates work through
collaboration, experimentation and play.
Our work is global. We tour nationally and internationally and continue to develop
strong partnerships around the world.
Working across all age groups, nationalities and forms, Gecko celebrates diversity.
Company Background
Gecko has taken its five critically acclaimed productions to over 20 countries, and
continues to develop strong partnerships around the world. Gecko shows have been
seen by over 50,000 spectators, and the company has conducted more than 50
participatory projects involving over 2,500 young people, youth leaders and teachers.
INSTITUTE CONTACTS
Gecko Producer: Rosalind Wynn
[email protected] 07841 432 966
Gecko Assistant Director: Rich Rusk
[email protected] 07764481969
Gecko Production Manager: Nathan Johnson
[email protected] 07455 100 575
Gecko General Manager: Belinda Farrell
[email protected] 01473 295933
Gecko Administrator: Pippa Fox
[email protected] 01473 295934
BOX OFFICE BRIEFING
INSTITUTE
Critically acclaimed physical dance-theatre company Gecko return with an intimate,
funny and revealing exploration of what it means to care.
Creative Team
Created by: Amit Lahav
Performers:
Chris Evans
François Testory
Ryen Perkins-Gangnes
Amit Lahav
Set Design: Rhys Jarman and Amit Lahav
Lighting Design: Chris Swain and Amit Lahav
Original Music: Dave Price
Assistant Director: Rich Rusk
Sound Designer: Nathan Johnson
Associate Lighting Designer: Matt O'Leary
Production Manager: Nathan Johnson
Technical Manager: Mishi Bekesi/Andres Velasquez
Company and Stage Manager: Laura Hammond/Tanya Stephenson
Costume Supervisor: Amy Cook
Institute is driven by Geckoʼs desire to explore complexities in human nature; our
impulse to care and our complete reliance on one another. We are entering a time in
which we are potentially more fractured and disconnected than ever before - when
the time comes, will anyone really care?
Set in a warped world of emotional compartmentalisation and treatment, where
memories are filed and relationships scrutinised, patient becomes carer and vice
versa. Four people undergo a series of extraordinary physical ‘treatments’ as they
struggle to prepare themselves for the outside world.
But a Gecko world is never as it first appears...
PERFORMANCE DETAILS
Running time of INSTITUTE: 75 mins (without an interval)
Any Special FX: Some smoke will be used during the performance.
Age guidance: 14+
As strong language is used in this production, we suggest that Front of House display
signs with the warning 'Contains some strong language'.
INSTITUTE, THE STORY SO FAR
During development in early 2013 Gecko invited a select panel of inspirational artists,
support workers, patients and carers of various fields into the room to explore a
range of themes and relationships relating to care like never before. The rich findings
of that extraordinary initial development, and the personal stories which emerged,
have fuelled Institute.
“When the time comes, will anyone really care? This feels to me like the right time to
be asking this question. We are entering a time in which we are potentially more
fractured and disconnected from one another than ever before. Are we losing our
ability to read each other and therefore protect and care for one another? Alongside
this, the notion of care has become a political currency, spoken about in the media
every day. Institute is driven by Gecko’s desire to explore complexities in human
nature; our impulse to care and our complete reliance on one another. I will attempt
to create a very intimate, funny and revealing experience in Gecko's physical, honest
and generous style. A world where everyone relies on someone to catch them!”
Amit Lahav, Director of Institute and Artistic Director of Gecko
Institute is Gecko’s sixth creation in 10 years. With each new show Gecko build on
our established working methodology of physical exploration and theatrical
invention.
Institute is a Gecko production. Supported by Arts Council England.
Co-commissioned by Derby Theatre, Warwick Arts Centre and New Wolsey Theatre
Ipswich. In association with DanceEast and Northern Stage.
KEY SELLING POINTS & TARGET MARKETS
STRENGTHS
 Fast-paced visual theatre spectacle, epic in scale, intimate in emotion.
 All male cast: explores the idea of modern masculinity - its fragility and
strength.
 Unique: There is no show quite like a Gecko show, they have a unique
aesthetic and style that you won’t have seen before.
 LIMF: Gecko comes to your venue fresh from a successful premiere tour
earlier this year of Institute. Their previous show Missing closed the London
International Mime Festival in Jan 2014 at the Royal Opera House. Gecko
were the fastest selling UK based company in LIMF history and one of only
three UK companies featured at the festival.
 Internationally renowned: Gecko has performed at international festivals all
over the world and continue to grow their global reach. This is an opportunity
to see an internationally respected company on your doorstep.
 The Company: Gecko’s reputation continues to soar, it is now a stamp of
quality with a growing and loyal following.
 Crosses theatre, dance and circus genres.
 The company have a strong education/masterclass programme.
 The company are keen to develop links with their audiences pre and post
show and would welcome the opportunity to do an informal ‘meet and greet’
prior to the performance or after in the bar to break down barriers and make
themselves more accessible and personable to people who might be familiar
with their work and their unique approach to making work.
WEAKNESSES
 Gecko’s work and aesthetic is unique, although that is a strength, it can make
it hard to describe and communicate to potential audiences. If this is
something you are finding difficult we can provide copy written specifically
for your target audience.
 The title and subject matter of care may be seen as off putting to those with
issues around care or not wanting to engage with serious topics. We suggest
leading with the uplifting aspects and the Gecko experience as a whole rather
than the subject matter specifically.
 Whilst their reputation is widely known internationally, Gecko is still
developing their profile and brand nationally. To help communicate their
reputation you can draw on Edinburgh/LIMF success and recent glowing
reviews, see press quotes on p. 8.
 Not mainstream, some may perceive their work as inaccessible, high art and
abstract. However, once audiences experience it they find it is incredibly
accessible and can connect with it emotionally very easily without any
knowledge of Gecko’s previous work.
OPPORTUNITIES
 Audience development – new work for a new audience.
 Opportunity to engage with care providers in connection with the shows
themes.
 Potential to offer masterclasses to dance professionals and workshops to
schools for pupils and students to see, participate and engage with Gecko’s
work and creative process.
 Pre and post show sessions for audiences to engage with the company and
performers in addition to seeing their live show. Amit is very keen to have
that creative dialogue with audiences.
 Investigate ideas for creative PR activity to exploit the company’s highly
visual, aesthetic and engaging live performance e.g PR stunts, flashmobs etc.
THREATS
 Competition with more mainstream events and other cultural events in the
region.
 Lack of national media coverage to support the tour (no national reviewers
have reviewed the work at this stage).
 Increasing lack of disposable income for the arts/entertainment may mean
audiences choose safer, more mainstream options.
TARGET MARKETS
Specific to the genre:
 Contemporary dance enthusiasts
 Physical theatre enthusiasts
 Dance and Drama Students
 Choreographers
 Previous Gecko audiences
 Physical Theatre/Circus audiences
 International students/audiences/groups and networks (French, German and
Spanish are spoken in the show)
 Philosophy/Sociology/Psychology students
 Theatre risk takers
 Live art enthusiasts
 Practitioners/Artists
 Film buffs (their style is very cinematic)
 Audiences who like to see epic physically and emotionally rich pieces of visual
storytelling
 Theatre tech/lighting students



Specific to the subject matter:
Hospital Trusts and hospices
Art Therapy or other creative outlet support courses and workshops
Health Charities relevant to care issues for example mental health,
rehabilitation and injury recovery support services.
PAST PRAISE FOR GECKO THEATRE
On Institute:
"Institute offers up sometimes comic, sometimes beautiful imagery… A visceral,
physical, intriguing treat."
The British Theatre Guide
“Gecko have demonstrated their unparalleled ability to portray emotion through
movement and have created a potent contribution to the debate about how we
should care as well as a penetrating provocation into the nature of care itself.”
In Suffolk Review
“These primitive sounds and movements connect with audience members on the
most basic level, allowing the individual to project their own experiences and
interpretations on them in deeply personal ways. A totally compelling 75 minutes”
Morning Star
On Missing:
Delivered with such riveting fluidity and emotional acuity I was swept up in the
unfolding story, as well as in the dazzling performance style. The whole enterprise
transcends its own slickness, rendering Missing a Fringe must-see.
The Times Review ****
A kind of restless delirium, dense with poetic effect
Sanjoy Roy, The Guardian ****
Gecko's production is an astounding mixture of dance, puppetry, and incredible
stagecraft, Missing is an intense dream-like experience, and an absolute must-see
What’s On Stage***** for Missing’s national tour
Originality pulses through every scene, producing an electrifying combination of
physicality, visual poetry and technical magic. The result is a gorgeously hypnotic.
The List
If you can manage to get a seat I would urge you to do so, and FAST ... the most
amazing evening of theatre.
Damian Robson, What’s On Stage ***** for Missing at Edinburgh
On The Overcoat:
Creates a dazzlingly inventive world that combines visual flair and physical swagger.
Lyn Gardner, The Guardian
Very impressive...A moving and very entertaining evening
Dave Cunningham, What’s On Stage ****
On The Arab and the Jew:
Distills the conflict in the Middle East into a sometimes brilliantly vaudevillian twohander with tragic underpinnings…dazzlingly unpredictable.
Donald Hutera, The Times
A sometimes ravishing display of theatrical fireworks…striking.
Brian Logan, The Guardian ****
Exhilaratingly inventive.
Timothy Ramsden, Reviews Gate
AUDIENCE FEEDBACK FOR EARLY SHARINGS OF INSTITUTE:
“We came to see Institute and were stunned by the performance. The physical
theatre is incredible and engages the audience.”
“Very powerful, very relevant, you connect so quickly with the characters”
“I love how the archives of memories set the context for the stories to happen”
“Just saw Institute, my first experience of Gecko Theatre, astonishingly good, funny,
dark and moving, jaw-droppingly good.”
“I was also gobsmacked ... I was really moved, I cried!“
“Extraordinary Institute! Can't wait to see moooore!!”
Twitter:
@milkandbeans
Saw an amazing piece of theatre today from Gecko. Overwhelmingly emotional and
inspiring. Forgot where I was!
@CharExampleHum
My mind has been blown ... Institute was just
amazing! #pulsefestival #Institute @GeckoTheatre @NewWolsey :)
@_gemm4 (9 June)
Gecko were absolutely incredible yesterday. If you're off to Ed Fringe in August, they
are a must see! GO AND SEE THEM!
Jordan Chandler @julapoo
Can’t sleep, mind's still blown by @GeckoTheatre. Never had such an uncontrollable
reaction to a piece of theatre. #EmotionalWreck. Just Beautiful.
neil lankford @earthmoveseco
@GeckoTheatre Institute was stupidly good, funny (loved the cliched duo talking bit)
incredibly moving, just jaw droppingly good
Sarah Crompton @spcproducer
Very clever...bit of a work out for the mind! Exciting to think where they will end up...
Hopefully bump into you soon!
Claire Symonds @claire_roses
The #Pulse13 odyssey continues with a sharing of @GeckoTheatre's new work
Institute. Gorgeous. Just gorgeous. #artcrush
PRESS & MARKETING IDEAS
Below are some examples of things you can do to help promote the show, many of
which you are probably already doing. However, there may be some areas you might
not have considered that could generate new ideas for your campaign.
Print Distribution
Dance and drama schools
Arts organisations
Tourist attractions
Dance and Drama Groups
Dance /sports clubs
Language schools (French, German and Spanish are spoken in the show)
Universities, secondary schools and colleges
Cafes
Bookshops and libraries
Waiting rooms
Care institutions
Anywhere with high footfall for arts audiences and potential exit flyering at relevant
ad hoc events in your area.
Film Trailer & Production Photography
Production shots and a trailer are already available, you will find them in the
Dropbox (if you don’t have a link to this yet please email us at the Gecko Office). If
you have any specific formats you require these to be sent to you in, do let us know.
More production images are planned in the opening week of the tour and will be
shared via dropbox as soon as they are available.
Social Media
Gecko Theatre’s social media profiles are:
Twitter: @GeckoTheatre
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Gecko.Theatre1
Gecko Theatre are very active on these platforms so please like and follow them so
that you can share behind the scenes activity.
PEOPLE AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEW
If you get any local press requests, let us know and we will let you know who might
be available for interview.
Potential interviewees are:
Amit Lahav – Director of and performer in Institute and Artistic Director of Gecko
Theatre
Rich Rusk - Gecko Theatre’s Assistant Director and rehearsal director for Institute.
Rosalind Wynn - Gecko Theatre’s Producer
Devising performers Chris Evans, Francois Testory, Ryen Perkins-Ganges and Amit
Lahav.
INTERVIEW / FEATURE IDEAS
 Established dance company making touring work at mid scale, an unusual
combination on the arts landscape.
 Institute comes to your area fresh from closing the London International
Mime Festival in Jan 2015 at Royal Opera House and storming success at
Edinburgh Festival 2013 with their show Missing. Gecko were the fastest
selling UK based company in LIMF history and one of only 3 UK companies
featured at the festival.
 Exploring the increasingly important issue of care through dance theatre.
 Profile piece on director Amit Lahav and Gecko’s creative practice.
 Piece about their masterclasses and relationship with education
establishments like RADA.
EDUCATION AND OUTREACH
The Institute company would be happy to provide workshops, pre and post show
discussions and other added extras during their time at your venue. For further
details about what they can offer or for an informal chat please contact us.
SAMPLE MEDIA RELEASE
DATE xxx
For immediate release
Gecko presents
INSTITUTE
Multi-award winning physical theatre company Gecko head out on the road again
with Institute, an intimate, funny and moving exploration of what it means to care.
When the time comes, will anyone really care? Set in a warped world of emotional
compartmentalisation and treatment - where memories are filed, relationships
scrutinised and patient becomes carer and vice versa - four people undergo a series
of extraordinary physical ‘treatments’ as they struggle to prepare themselves for the
outside world. But a Gecko world is never as it first appears…
Expect ingenious set design, featuring giant filing cabinets from which fully formed
memories, whole relationships and secrets are pulled out and filed away; visceral
movement and intricate group choreography from the all male cast; and moments of
stunning tenderness and beauty that shine out from shadows so brightly, they leave
you reeling.
Amit Lahav, director of Institute and Artistic Director at Gecko says, "Institute will
pull you in and take you on a voyage - your relationship with the word care will
ultimately determine how that journey feels for you. The idea that society is
becoming more fragmented, individualistic and desensitised is terrifying to me. I’m
fascinated about what the implications may be if we don’t ask questions about the
way we care for each other.”
Institute is Gecko’s sixth creation in 10 years. With each new show they build on
their established working methodology of physical exploration and theatrical
invention. Institute is a Gecko production. Supported by Arts Council England.
Co-commissioned by Derby Theatre, Warwick Arts Centre and New Wolsey Theatre
Ipswich. In association with DanceEast, and Northern Stage.
PAST PRAISE FOR GECKO:
"Institute offers up sometimes comic, sometimes beautiful imagery… A visceral,
physical, intriguing treat."
The British Theatre Guide (Institute 2014)
“A kind of restless delirium, dense with poetic effect”
Sanjoy Roy, The Guardian **** (Missing 2013)
“If you can manage to get a seat I would urge you to do so, and FAST ... the most
amazing evening of theatre. “
Damian Robson, What’s On Stage ***** (Missing 2013)
For further information, images and interviews please contact:
Rosalind Wynn, Producer
[email protected]
01473 295 934
-ENDS-
NOTE TO EDITORS
Creative Team
Created by: Amit Lahav
Performers:
Chris Evans
François Testory
Ryen Perkins-Gangnes
Amit Lahav
Set Design: Rhys Jarman and Amit Lahav
Lighting Design: Chris Swain and Amit Lahav
Original Music: Dave Price
Assistant Director: Rich Rusk
Sound Designer: Nathan Johnson
Associate Lighting Designer: Matt O'Leary
Production Manager: Chris Swain
Technical Manager: Mishi Bekesi
Company and Stage Manager: Laura Hammond
Costume Supervisor: Amy Cook
About Gecko
Founded in 2001, Gecko has become an award-winning and internationally
acclaimed company, led by Artistic Director Amit Lahav. Gecko has taken its five
critically acclaimed productions to over 20 countries, and continues to develop
strong partnerships around the world. The shows have been seen by over 50,000
spectators, and company members have conducted more than 50 participatory
projects involving over 2,500 young people, youth leaders and teachers.
SAMPLE DIRECT MAIL LETTER
Dear XXXXXXX,
Gecko invites you to enter the Institute. A shadowy, Orwellian establishment where
‘employees' attempt to create order from the chaos of life, carers become patients,
memories fracture and relationships collide. Within this warped world of emotional
compartmentalisation four people undergo a series of extraordinary ‘treatments’ as
they struggle to prepare themselves for the outside world.
But a Gecko world is never as it first appears…
Fresh from closing the London International Mime Festival with their show Missing,
and an acclaimed run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, internationally acclaimed
physical dance theatre company Gecko Theatre return with an intimate, funny and
moving exploration of what it means to care.
Expect ingenious set design, featuring giant filing cabinets from which fully formed
memories, whole relationships and secrets are pulled out and filed away; visceral
movement and intricate group choreography from the all male cast; and moments of
stunning tenderness and beauty that shine out from shadows so brightly, they leave
you reeling.
"Institute offers up sometimes comic, sometimes beautiful imagery… A visceral,
physical, intriguing treat."
The British Theatre Guide (Institute 2014)
“A kind of restless delirium, dense with poetic effect”
Sanjoy Roy, The Guardian **** (Missing 2013)
“Just saw Institute, my first experience of Gecko Theatre, astonishingly good, funny,
dark and moving, jaw-droppingly good.” Audience feedback
“Can’t sleep, mind's still blown by @GeckoTheatre. Never had such an
uncontrollable reaction to a piece of theatre. #EmotionalWreck. Just Beautiful.”
BOOKING INFORMATION [VENUE DETAILS]
Institute is a Gecko production. Supported by Arts Council England.
Co-commissioned by Derby Theatre, Warwick Arts Centre and New Wolsey Theatre Ipswich. In association with DanceEast, and
Northern Stage.