We're all aware of the heavy-handedness of human beings when it comes to interacting with nature, but what impact is this having on the insect population?
Dr Vivek Nityananda is one of the David Phillips Research Fellows at Newcastle University and is the latest academic to collaborate with the theatre company. Cap-a-Pie have previously collaborated with Newcastle University to make world-class research accessible to an audience.
“Working with Cap-a-Pie and engaging a wide variety of audiences, from children to adults, has been inspiring. It allows findings from insect research to come to life and connect with people in a meaningful way” said Dr Nityananda of the collaboration. "With this play I’m trying to share some of that wonder but also talk about how insect populations are at risk from the chemicals we use and habitat loss."
"These threats to our essential and often overlooked insect populations gave us the idea for the title, The Vanishing Act."
The Vanishing Act is a work in progress show which gives audiences the chance to learn more about the insect world in a way that is lighthearted and enjoyable.
Last week, I joined the theatre company at Hotspur Primary School in Heaton to see what the students thought about the project, so far.
Some people think bugs are pests but this show will make them care and pay more attention
Ashvath, Year 5
Year 5 students from the school have been involved in the play's development, with students previously participating in the collaboration shown at COP26 - Climate Change Catastrophe!.
Ali, a Year 5 student at Hotspur Primary School, said: “I didn’t really know anything about insects but using drama, song and theatre in the Cap-a-Pie workshops has opened up a new interest for me." Classmate, Eden, agreed, saying “My knowledge of insects has definitely grown, I’m a lot more interested now."
For these young people, the opportunity to be involved in creating a play not only has educational value, but creative value, too.
The Vanishing Act is directed by Brad McCormack - Cap-a-Pie's Artistic Director - and produced by Katy Vanden. Bridget Marumo (We are the Best! at Live Theatre), Jeannie May Adam (Remarkable Robin at Queen’s Hall Hexham/Alnwick Playhouse) and Liam Scarth (Climate Change Catastrophe - Cap-a-Pie) make up the play's cast.
Cap-a-Pie theatre company is committed to accessibility and sustainability in their upcoming performance, with this week's work-in-progress show featuring integrated audio description and BSL. Additionally, Cap-a-Pie will be working with Relish Theatre to ensure that the production is as environmentally friendly as possible.
You can join the waitlist for this week's free performance here.
Great work! At the best school in the country too - every child should get to experience the range of opportunities that Hotspur give their pupils. Collaboration at its finest, the list is endless!