Coleridge Unbound
For ‘Coleridge Unbound’, State of Emergency delved deep into the life and words of poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s, in particular his stance as an abolitionist. Being a lay preacher, Coleridge often spoke out against the transatlantic slave trade from the pulpit of the Unitarian Chapel in Taunton. ‘Coleridge Unbound’ responds to the landscape of the Quantock Hills, key buildings such as Beckford Tower Bath, and Alfoxton House Bridgwater, and raises the ghosts of the past through original dance, film, and music performance.
This project develops work done during lockdown in 2021, which resulted in the creation of 7 short films. In 2022, the company created new choreography and music, and a site-specific dance film.
The Revelation Of Lee "Scratch" Perry
Trailer for 'The Revelation Of Lee "Scratch" Perry', a full length film shot on location at The Black Ark, Switzerland, featuring the making of Lee "Scratch" Perry's studio album 'Revelation'. On the following page you can view the whole film, and watch a series of intimate interviews with the master.
The album features twelve songs each representing "one of twelve prophets". With 'Revelation' "Scratch" was looking to create a contemporary fusion of reggae, hip hop, electronica and dub.
It is the third Lee Perry album produced by John Saxon for State of Emergency and in 2011 it achieved a Grammy nomination for Best Reggae Album. Contributors include Rolling Stone Keith Richards, and Godfather of Funk George Clinton.
Cane Warriors
With the support of National Lottery Heritage Fund via Bath Preservation Trust and Beckford Tower Trust, we are now working towards a full scale dance musicial adaptation of Alex Wheatle's ground breaking novel. 'Cane Warriors' is based on the remarkable true story of Tacky's Rebellion, an uprising of Akan slaves against the British that took place in Jamaica between May and July 1760. This production really allows us to hone our skills as directors and performers. For us ‘Cane Warriors’ is the natural progression of all that has gone before.
"Alex Wheatle writes from a place of honesty and passion with the full understanding that change can only happen through words and actions." Steve McQueen, Director (Twelve Years A Slave, Small Axe)