Ciderwithroadies is a project inspired by local apples. As an arts organisation we are always seeking new ways to connect to potential audiences unused to theatregoing, and the apple has proven to be a potent symbol for people to gather around and do things together.
Ciderwithroadies uses creative activity to enthuse people about their community, and, in particular, the many forgotten apple varieties. The resulting 3 year project is supported by Heritage Lottery, Arts Council and regional LEADER projects, in Teignbridge and The Blackdown Hills.
Ciderwithroadies activities
Artist Jon Rodney-Jones has sculpted Pomona, a beautiful, fully functioning apple press. In the autumn Pomona was towed to 30 Village greens, Orchards, farmers markets and other community spaces, giving local people the opportunity to turn their surplus apples into juice.
Alongside the press we created the first of three productions, “The Big Squeeze”. Written by Jon Stokes and with original music by Andrew Whelan, this outdoor high energy show was performed by Heidi Dorschler and Matthew Rowland-Roberts on and around Pomona at the end of a days’ pressing. This hour long presentation was directed by Anthony Richards and attracted over 1,500 people from within small communities ranging from Lifton in the West to Selworthy in the East.
Heather Fallowes an experienced visual artist visited Devon primary schools for a day. Paintings, displays, illustrated stories and sculptures have all resulted with Heather, responding to the enthusiasms of the children.
Adam Montague shared his horticultural expertise in local fruit trees with audiences in his role as the Ciderwithroadies’ Apple Animateur. Adam accompanied the press to gives out information about local apples and their care. Adam also ran orchard care workshops and is continuing to encourage individuals with sizeable crops of unused apples to come together co-operatively and find a market for their produce. This way we hope to encourage the future sustainability of traditional orchards in the landscape. Allied to this is a new website to be launched in autumn 2008 called www.devon-apples.co.uk. This interactive site will give people the opportunity to upload local apple information as well as draw together information on varieties and their care. It will also provide a shop window for suppliers of local professional services such as orchard care, pruning and suppliers of fruit trees and juice processing equipment.
Two more plays have been commissioned from writer JonStokes for production in Autumn 2008, “Wormfood” will be specially for Key Stage 1 and 2 pupils and will introduce them to the joyful and sad aspects of the natural cycles of birth and death. Heathen Harvest will a music hall styled evening presentation, designed in separate interludes to accompany a community feast or Harvest Supper. Creative Associate Ashley Wengraf will direct these productions. Luscombe Organic Drinks are a collaborating sponsor for Heathen Harvest.
All these events are promoted by our extensive network of volunteer contacts in communities around the Rural Southwest, and our thanks must go to them for championing our work.
The latest event dates are available on www.common-players.org.uk
