“Crowds were transported through time and space”
“The opening scene gave me goosebumps”
About the Play
The Falcon’s Flight is a story of hope in the midst of hardship, inspired by the true story of Princess Gytha, the daughter of King Harold. Set after the events of the Battle of Hastings, Gytha and her family find themselves foreigners in their own country. As they flee death and persecution, they must fight to maintain their Anglo- Saxon roots - through war, bargaining and royal ties. As Gytha’s childhood world crashes around her, she is forced to become a pawn in a high stakes game. Refusing to let others decide her next move, and resolute in the faith inherited by her father, she goes on a journey (that is not without sacrifice) for her family’s survival and future legacy.
Why This story
In a modern context, the story of a women of royalty being forced to emigrate, leaving behind her culture, language and identity for a new, unknown land echoes strongly with the current world situation. The play demonstrates that the challenges Europe and the world were facing in 1066 are not that different from challenges we face today. Part of the goal of this play is to bring a women who is a footnote in history books back to the centre of the page - exploring her journey, struggles, faith and courage.
About the Production
The immersive performance brought the audience into the heart of the place, included in the action by invitation to move the story along through time and space. The play used the beautiful historic setting of Waltham Abbey church grounds (near King Harold’s stone), inviting the audience to enjoy and appreciate the beauty and importance of the architecture around them.
The chairman of Epping Forest District Council, Cllr Richard Bassett, the mayor of Waltham Abbey Cllr Jeane Lea as well as more than 150 audience members came to see the play.
““I found the play amazing. I liked walking between the scenes. I liked
how enthusiastic all the actors were as it made the play interesting and
enjoyable.” ”
My Approach
My approach with this production was to focus on the clarity of storytelling through performance, to include the local environment as a character within the play, and to involve an all-age audience in the action. The challenge was to stage a one-hour play within a limited 4-day rehearsal schedule, the uncertainty of English weather, and voice and projection in an outdoor environment. I met these challenges by having a clear image of what was achievable, balancing rehearsals inside and onsite, and focusing on clarity of the actor’s intention alongside projection to ensure precision, articulation and that they could be heard over natural obstacles like water and wind.
CREDIT
The Falcon’s Flight (site specific around Waltham Abbey), The King Harold’s Festival, by Jenna Thorne and Anne-Christelle Zanzen, 13th October 2018
Writers: Jenna Thorne and Anne-Christelle Zanzen / Producers: LifeWorks, Creative Expressions and King Harold Day Society/ Director: Anne-Christelle Zanzen / Fight Director: Briar Knowles / Costume: Christian Drama Resource Centre / Cast: Jenna Thorne, Derek Hangen, Louise Ann Munro, Lou Turner, Gabriel Burke, Alexander Capon / Photography: Keith Towns (http://www.f8pro.co.uk) / Cameraman and Editor: John Price, Ray Harris and Mark Boyce / Graphic Designer : Geoffrey Sleiman
Thank you to our sponsors LifeWorks Arts Center, Creative Expressions, King Harold Day Society, Waltham Abbey Church, Waltham Abbey Town Council, Epping Forest District, The Gatehouse coffee, Vision Britain, Sunflowergroup
