VISITORS to this year’s Stockton International Riverside Festival will be in for a romantic treat when dance theatre production company, Ballet Lorent, brings to life a magical love story in the heart of the Town Centre.
The specially created performance ‘Love Struck’ explains the meeting of lonely John Walker, inventor of the friction match and visiting circus performer, Vesta. Vesta, named after the Roman goddess of the hearth is an exhibitionist – an extrovert with pointe shoes on her feet and ribbons flying from her hands.
Together, they become accidental alchemists and the spark between them ignites the way for an intimate journey set against Stockton’s night sky.
With free performances at 10.15pm on Friday 31 July and Saturday 1 August this will be the first show that SIRF will present in Stockton Town Centre’s new Central Garden fountain area.
Councillor Norma Wilburn, Stockton on Tees Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Arts, Leisure and Culture, said: “’Love Struck’ is just one fantastic episode in Instant Light, SIRF 15’s theme.
“Based on Sara Maitland’s story, Instant Light starts with John Walker’s invention of the friction match and weaves through it the magic of the circus to create a mythical version of how the festival might have come about.
“We have commissioned this stunning 30 minute performance to tell the love story between a pharmacist with ambitions to be an inventor and a daring circus dancer. I’d encourage anyone to come along and enjoy this beautiful heartfelt tale which is sure to transform this part of the High Street and create an atmosphere to remember.”
The show is directed by Liv Lorent and performed by dancers Natalie Trewinnard, Gavin Coward plus guests from Circus Central.
SIRF takes place from 30 July to 2 August and will celebrate the redevelopment of Stockton Town Centre with four days packed full of spectacular street theatre, dance and music productions from all around the world.
To see the latest news and full festival programme, visit the SIRF website at www.sirf.co.uk