What does Christmas mean to you? Tradition, tinsel and turkey? Crackers and Christmas pud? Or is there another side to the festive period that prevents the season from being jolly? Anamnesis 25.12 is a brand new, devised theatre experience which takes an alternative look at Christmas. Inspired by community members’ real-life stories, this promenade production transports you to various thought- provoking Christmas days of excitement, joy, loneliness, longing and a host of other resonating emotions….with the odd carol thrown in of course!
Following the success of our 2013 tour of our devised, audience-immersive show SPANGLED, Mercury Theatre Wales spent 2014 developing Anamnesis 25.12 which was performed at Chapter Arts Centre Cardiff, The Lord Mayor’s Reception Room Swansea and Pontardawe Arts Centre throughout December 2014, supported by an ACW grant.
We were delighted that the ACW again supported a Christmas tour of Anamnesis25.12 which had been developed and improved over 2015. This year we made a huge effort to bring the show back to the Community, for which it was created. In every venue area visited, we took a portable version of the show into Old Peoples’ Care Homes, so that those who were unable to make it to a theatre could still experience it. We also involved a Community group in each area who had the chance to perform in our pre-show before the production. Many thanks to The Oasis Centre Cardiff, St.Dogmael’s Singing Village, Llanelli Musical Players and Goodness Gracious Glee Ladies Choir.
Venues visited were as follows:-
LLANOVER HALL ARTS CENTRE, CARDIFF / CAERDYDD
SMALL WORLD THEATRE / THEATR BYD BYCHAN, CARDIGAN / ABERTEIFI
REDHOUSE, MERTHYR
GRAND THEATRE ARTS WING, SWANSEA / ABERTAWE
THE GWYN HALL,NEATH / CASTELL-NEDD.
CRITICS REVIEWS:-
WALES ARTS REVIEW:-
“Regardless of your age, background or personal circumstances, Anamnesis 25.12 is a spectacular piece of theatre which is sure to touch everyone in its compassion, honesty and wonderful festive spirit.”
http://www.walesartsreview.org/theatre-anamnesis/
THEATRE IN WALES:-
“Anamnesis 25.12” spans word, video, music and dance. It is impressionistic, as warm as the weather outside, demonstrably amiable in its attitude to its audience. It is not embarrassed to raise a laugh or two but knows too that lightness need not diminish charm, a sense of charity and humane regard that is still the inner essence of the Christmas season.”
http://www.theatre-wales.co.uk/reviews/reviews_details.asp?reviewID=3481
ARTS SCENE IN WALES:-
“This entertaining, moving, Christmassy show wasn’t just about recalling the past but reminding us to live our lives now and make the most of every moment.”
http://www.asiw.co.uk/reviews/anamnesis-25-15-neath-gwyn-hall
ANAMNESIS 25.12 – 2015 Audience feedback
“This was different to anything I’ve seen before and was perfect for a Christmas show.”
“Some thought-provoking issues raised and I loved the dancing – fantastic!”
“I thought it worked very well in the space and I liked the use of the video sections: Inventive, creative, living drama – not stagey.”
“Most unusual, we thoroughly enjoyed the show. It was funny, touching and made us think. Da Iawn!”
“Really enjoyable experience – slowly the story unfolded and had meaning for me being as I’ve experienced so many Christmases!”
“A wonderful show with snippets of our real life memories. So glad I came and shared your show.”
“A very enjoyable, entertaining show, which highlighted the problems surrounding Christmas, and other social issues.”
“Very well produced, quickly turned around scenes and costume changes, very emotional! And fantastic way of involving the audience.”
“Heart warming!”
“The show was absolutely fantastic. Everything was spot on, definitely had lots of laughs and tears. Fabulous.”
“It was awesome! Really enjoyable, a Christmas show but more original.”
“Very funny, warming and Christmassy! I loved the audience involvement.”
“Wonderful! Amazing interaction!”
“A stella cast who engage and encourage the audience to enjoy the immersiveness. These interactions add to the performance and experience for all.”
“Interesting the way the space was used – made it much more intimate.”
“Wonderful mixture of laughter and sadness.”
“Very different. Really enjoyed the format and lots of audience participation.”