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A Strange New Space
For ages
4+
Did you know that Astronauts get taller in space? That our solar system is around 4.6 billion years old? Or that there are more stars in the universe than grains of sand on all of the beaches on Earth?
Amira knows all of these things. She is completely obsessed with space and dreams of becoming an Astronaut. But one night, the bangs, whooshes and fizzes of her imagination explode right out of her dreams, becoming a deafening reality. In the darkness, Amira must leave her hometown to go on an adventure, to find a safe space. Hearing the words ‘space’ and ‘adventure’, Amira quickly packs her bag for the intergalactic trip she’s been waiting for…
A completely original one woman show without words, A Strange New Space melds physical theatre with stunning puppetry and original music. We travel on an imagined voyage into space, paralleled with Amira’s real-life journey as a refugee across continents, forming an unforgettable introduction to theatre for audiences of four years and older.
This production was researched with refugees and migrants in Athens, Greece, then later developed in partnership with The Trinity Centre, May Park Primary School, Integrate Bristol and Circomedia, funded by Arts Council England.
Creative Team
Devised by: the company
Performer: Tessa Bide, Laura Street or Jessica Clough-MacRae
Director: Joe Wallace
Dramaturg: Mike Akers
R&D Director/dramaturg: Adam Fuller
Co-Movement Directors: Laura Street & Bryn Thomas
Composer: Matt Huxley
Designer: Sarah Dicks
Lighting Designer: Joe Stathers
Photo credit to Paul Blakemore.
“This is a very lovely show not just about the journey and adventures of a refugee child but about the brilliance of the imagination” Weston Super Mum
"There is something magical about this solo production...Stripped of words, the production rests on Tessa Bide’s performance, which captivates the audience from the start." ★★★★ Female Arts
“A play without words, with very little props and just one actor makes for an unexpected hour of being on an emotional rollercoaster. Each feeling, be it excitement, happiness, sadness or rejection, draws us into the story and is proving to be more powerful than a thousand words.” Curious Mum
“Tessa Bide has a rare talent for accessing the inner vision of a child in such a natural way, and A Strange New Space is a poignant reminder of how much we lose in terms of imagination when we ‘grow up’.” Manchester's Finest
“We thought this was a really special and endearing little show which shows the power of a child’s use of escapism as a way of dealing with trauma. It also drew adults in, in connecting to the inner childhood. It’s a non verbal show but has music, strong visuals and gets you to use your imagination as well. A very special show not to be missed.” Primary Times
A Strange New Space CD
This is the soundtrack to A Strange New Space. Music composed by Matt Huxley. Click here to view, and purchase, on etsy.
