DETENTION
Powerful dance theatre exploring the impact of Section 28, soundtracked by iconic band Test Dept
Gary Clarke Company proudly presents their highly anticipated new dance theatre show, DETENTION, following the multi award-winning COAL and critically acclaimed WASTELAND.
DETENTION explores the impact of Section 28: a piece of largely hidden legislation from Thatcher’s Conservative Government in 1988, which ‘prohibited the promotion of homosexuality’, forcing people from the LGBT+ community into a place of secrecy, fear and shame at a time when the country was in industrial turmoil and the gay community was being ravaged by the onslaught of AIDS.
Gary Clarke’s powerful and personal working-class storytelling draws on public and private stories and testimonies, including a rare insight into the LGBT+ Switchboard Logbooks, combined with vivid choreography performed by a company of exceptional dancers, an evocative narrator, a local cast of LGBT+ people, striking designs in film, sound, light and costume and music tracks by the iconic band Test Dept.
DETENTION is a bold and moving exploration of the violence, loneliness, protests, debates, unlikely allies and the remarkable individuals and organisations of the time.
Join the community cast of DETENTION in Brighton!
Gary Clarke Company is looking for 5 members of the local LGBT+ community, aged 40+, to join their exceptional cast of performers live on stage. A fantastic opportunity to make a unique contribution to this story of Section 28 and the LGBT+ community’s fight for justice.
The company will be hosting a free taster in early September in Brighton for interested folx. This session will be led by Gary Clarke and will be an opportunity to hear more about the role and to try out some ideas from the show.
To find out more or to register for the taster, please get in touch with:
LAURA | GCC ENGAGEMENT MANAGER
Phone: 07999 548 775
Email: engagementgcc@gmail.com
Find out more: Community cast call out
Take part in a workshop and show package
DETENTION company dancers are available to deliver workshops for participants, aged 14+, as part of an exciting integrated package. This includes an individually tailored, 3-hour (flexible) creative movement workshop, watching DETENTION at Corn Exchange and attending a post-show discussion.
Find out more: Workshop and show package
Book a free community roadshow
Join Artistic Director, Gary Clarke, at a DETENTION roadshow. These unique and special events provide an opportunity for local LGBT+ communities to learn more about DETENTION and the intricate process behind making it, as well as offering a supportive environment to share your own memories and experiences.
Anyone attending a roadshow will be offered discounted tickets to see DETENTION at Corn Exchange.
Find out more: Roadshow information
DETENTION is produced by: GARY CLARKE COMPANY LTD
Co-commissioned by: Nottingham Playhouse, Grand Theatre Blackpool, Lawrence Batley Theatre, Cast, The Place,
Midlands co-presenter: FABRIC
Gary Clarke Company is supported using public funding through Arts Council England and core funding from
John Ellerman Foundation.
The national LGBTQIA+ support line. If you need to discuss any of the themes raised in the show the support line is available from 10am to 10pm everyday on 0800 0119 100.
