It felt right that Vita Nova should look to create a new piece in our 25th year. As we moved through that process, we’ve had the privilege of working with other practitioners, accessing professional spaces and importantly, had the opportunity to take risks. It has been exciting seeing how one discipline has inspired the other – on hearing Stefan’s composition we devised a movement piece using the techniques learnt from Fallen Angels. Prof. Michael Dobson (Shakespeare Institute, Birmingham), delivered a workshop that elevated our understanding of King Lear and, importantly, how we delivered the Bard’s lines.

As a playwright, Heath is something that I have had in my mind for many years. King Lear is my favourite Shakespeare play and I’ve always been fascinated by the complexities of the characters, specifically how Lear and Gloucester’s egos drive them to make disastrous judgements that have terrible consequences, and how quickly they find themselves in such a desperate place.

The stories I have heard working with those in recovery closely resonate with the journey of these two characters. How rapidly addiction strips away everything that was once important – the reason why many find themselves at rock bottom only then to discover the gift of recovery. Whilst I have woven some of Shakespeare’s lines through Heath offering the play strong undercurrents of Lear, I have worked to create a piece that stands alone so audiences will take something away even if they have no knowledge of the original. As we celebrate our 25th year at Vita Nova, I am delighted to have one of our long-standing members, Libby Bellhouse as the principal character, Lear. 

Sharon Coyne, October 2024