Out Of This World

Before his gaudy death in New York in 1953, and against the threat of the Cold War, Dylan Thomas met in a hotel room with Stravinsky to plan a radical opera set in a post nuclear society where a new Genesis meant a fresh start for the last man and woman on earth…

Conceived Sheraton Plaza ’53 takes up the story and asks, what might have been? In vivid dance and music this work explores the jagged chaos of Thomas’ last days: high ideals amid the low-life of New York, bitter memories of a failed marriage in Wales, the mysterious unfinished Elegy, and a sudden, passionate, commitment to strike in a bold new direction.

Music: Charlie Barber

Choreography: Andy Howitt

Dancers: Emma Carlson, Cathy Howarth, Sarah Lloyd, Andy Howitt, Craig McKnight

Musicians: James Mainwaring (soprano sax), Matthew Bailey (baritone sax), Jonathan Mainwaring (trumpet), Gwyn Daniels (trombone), Phil Girling (percussion), Andy Cookson (percussion), Jonathan Helm (percussion), John Jones (piano), Alison Francis (violin), Richard Treglown (violin), Matthew Roberts (viola), Vicky Higginson (cello), Robin Hames (bass)

Jumpers Youth Dance Theatre: Caroline Clements, Rachel Collins, Alys, Jenkins, Lisa Peterson, Janet Stowell, Jennie Thomas, Lucie Toft, James Westaway, Clair Jenkins, Karishna Jasani, Leanne Somerset

Rubicon Youth Dance Company: Julie-Ann Ayres, Lisa Farquhar, Rochel Robertson, Paul Gibbs, Kalpana Singh, Joanne Warwick, Lisa Peterson, Paul Hailes, Amanda Charles, Hannah Chubb, Jai Azad, Christine Evans, Leigh Fowler, Eleanor McDonald, Clare Dunn, Helen Anning

Welsh College of Music and Drama Chamber Orchestra

Designer: Donna Sandercock

Lighting design: Roy Campbell-Moore

Assistant lighting designer: Debbie Rees

Company manager: Alex Lemmon

Marketing & PR: Chris Travers, Cardiff Arts Marketing