Jungi

GemArts has been a key supporter of SSCo work for a number of years; previously the company has worked with Gem to bring productions to the North East. The development of the relationship has led to the co - commissioning of SSCo’s most recent production Jugni. The support from Gem Arts enabled SSCo to further develop a relationship with Dance City (a major dance venue in the North East) and subsidise some of the making of the new work.

SSCO undertook a series of workshops with women from different walks of life. The women’s stories extracted from this activity inspired the choreography and music in the final performance, which draws on of folkloric dance styles and Qawaali. Work in progress was shared during Southbank’s Alchemy festival to a number of national programmers and it was open to the public.
 
Three Asian female emerging artists were trained and developed through the process and have now toured professionally with the company for the first time. Sonia Sabri delivered a schools workshop with pupils (23) who have no and little understanding of Kathak Dance, this proved to be highly successful and enjoyable for the participants. Sonia also delivered a master class for Kathak dance students (7) who expressed interest in future classes and developing their skills.
 
Jugni toured to 11 venues and festivals around the country to a mix of small and medium venues, festivals and melas. Gem Arts programmed the performance at a major dance venue Dance City, which was supported by schools workshop and a master class.