Kes Reimagined online

The deeply moving story of a redemptive relationship between a boy and a kestrel comes to life again in Kes Reimagined, a dance film soon to be available online

KES. Photo: Marv Martin
The story of the very special bond between Billy and his kestrel, set in a Yorkshire mining community, first came to life in Barry Hines’ novel A Kestrel for a Knave, but it acquired cult status with Ken Loach’s gritty and deeply moving 1969 film, Kes.

Now the story takes flight again, this time as a dance film, Kes Reimagined.


Originally created for Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre six years ago, and choreographed by Jonathan Watkins, the award-winning choreographer of Northern Ballet’s1984, the production involves dance, puppetry and projective imagery and is set to a transporting original score by Alex Baranowski.

The cast includes Chester Hayes as Billy Casper, Kristen McNally, principal character artist with The Royal Ballet, as his mother, and former Northern Ballet principal dancer Tobias Batley (Winston Smith in 1984) as Jud, Billy’s wayward brother.

The kestrel, Kes, is represented by a very realistic and engaging puppet.

The production was adapted for the screen by the International Emmy Award-winning director Ross MacGibbon, and is billed as an ideal show for the whole family.

Kes Reimagined is being made available to view for free via The Space, a commissioning and development agency, supported by the BBC and Arts Council England,

It will be streamed on Tuesday 19 May at 7pm and remain available for 30 days afterwards on The Space Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.
TRY CULTURE WHISPER
Receive free tickets & insider tips to unlock the best of London — direct to your inbox

What Kes Reimagined online
Where Online | MAP
When 19 May 20 – 19 Jun 20, First streamed at 19:00 Dur.: 70 minutes
Price £N/A
Website https://www.thespace.org/




You may also like: