Theatre and dance ensembles offer shows in front of your own four walls as a Christmas gift

As a Christmas gift from two theatre and dance companies, the artists will perform bespoke shows in people's gardens or on their doorsteps.

Dundee Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre will stage socially distanced performances for four members of the public as part of their seasonal programme announced on Thursday.

Friends, family or colleagues can nominate any Dundee resident for the surprise pop-up events called ‘PRESENT’ taking place during the Christmas period.

While the Dundee Rep Theatre is closed to the public, companies are using the digital world to stay connected with audiences.

Both companies will present ADVENT next month, a series of 24 “digital performance gifts” that will be filmed safely on stage at Dundee Rep and shared on social media every day in December in the run-up to Christmas.

On December 28, viewers can watch the documentary “SHINE ON,” which offers a behind-the-scenes look at the two ensembles as they adapt to working during the pandemic.

Andrew Panton, Artistic Director of Dundee Rep Theatre and Joint Managing Director of Dundee Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre, said: “I am inspired, encouraged and in awe of the creative response not just from the team here at the Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre, but from the wider community this year as we navigate the coronavirus pandemic together.

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“We are grateful to both the Scottish Government and Creative Scotland for their support in enabling us to create this programme, and to the people of Dundee whose response and commitment since lockdown has been overwhelming.

“Despite all the challenges, the pandemic has strengthened our ties with the community in Dundee and beyond.”

The venue itself will also be transformed into a sound and visual work of art at Christmas time with the help of designer Karen Tennent and lighting designer Emma Jones.

Anyone wishing to nominate someone for PRESENT is asked to email [email protected] stating who should receive the performance and why, where the show could be performed, what the nominee likes best about Christmas and if there are any Christmas films, stories, shows or songs they particularly enjoy.

Nominations are possible until November 12th at 5:00 p.m.

The performances are free and will be filmed and then broadcast on Dundee Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre's social media channels on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

The companies have also announced six new interactive micro-commissions that will pop up across Dundee next spring as part of their THIS IS FOR YOU DUNDEE programming strand.

This festival of impromptu performances also includes the family show Dundee Delight Dice, a relaxed outdoor production for all the family where the plot is different each time depending on the roll of a set of giant dice.

The street dance collective Three60 presents its new project “Mother Earth”, which shows the love for nature and the contribution of women to humanity.

Dundee Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre continue to offer performances and creative projects as part of their digital programme.

Joan Cleville, Artistic Director of Scottish Dance Theatre, said: “I am continually impressed by the openness of both the Scottish Dance Theatre dancers and the communities across Dundee with whom we have danced over the last few months.

“The pandemic has highlighted our need for connection and creative expression.

“Even though the future remains uncertain, one thing is clear: dance makes a crucial contribution to our well-being as we get through this time together.”

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