Choreographer Duwane Taylor talks about working on East Wall – To show at the Tower of London (LIFT 2018)

Celebrated for its boundary pushing line ups, the LIFT Festival brings to the capital some of the world’s most exciting theatrical works. Challenging theatre form, practitioners present ideas in ways that have audiences talking afterwards. East Wall contributes to this tradition, a large scale outdoor production situated in the Tower of London’s Moat. A project crafted by some of the UK’s leading choreographers – Hofesh Shechter, Becky Namgauds, Duwane Taylor, James Finnemore and Joseph Toonga, East Wall’s 150 strong East London Dance cast will no doubt draw the crowds. Krump specialist Duwane Taylor talks more about the creative process behind the show.

Hi Duwane! East Wall is set to take part in this year’s LIFT Festival. How are you feeling ahead of the production?

I’m feeling a range of quite anxious yet a little excited, I know it’s going to be something epic.

East Wall will take place in the Moat of the Tower of London. How have you found working alongside dancers in this unconventional location? 

It’s been great. The Tower provided a great inspiration for the piece as my section drew inspiration from the history of the Tower. The institutionalised backdrop against power rebellious movements, will hopefully be very interesting.

The production will witness a total of 150 dancers perform. Are there any challenges working with a large number of dancers?

Yes, it’s always difficult getting the performers together and making sure they are all present during the rehearsal process. Luckily, I have a great community cast who have been dedicated and work very hard.

East Wall is a collaboration between celebrated choreographer Hofesh Shechter, Becky Namgauds, James Finnemore, Joseph Toonga and yourself. How have you all worked together to choreograph the show?

Really well, we don’t directly work with each other on this project, although we all have a great working relationship.

What would you like for audiences to take away from the piece?

I would like the audience to really understand the feeling we’re conveying, I would like the audience to also understand the beauty in Krump and really appreciate its expressive nature.

You’re a dancer/choreographer specialising in Krump. Who or what inspired you to pursue a career as a dancer?

It was a very random decision, I’ve always had an interest in music of all sorts, when it was time to go to college I really didn’t know what I wanted to do, I was originally going to take drama, but changed my mind last minute and here I am.

What was your journey in terms of fulfilling a career as a dancer/choreographer?

A lot of hard work, never accepting no for an answer and always thinking outside the box.

What advice would you give to aspiring dancers and choreographers?

Similar to above, work hard, train hard, don’t be lazy. New dancers should try and be as versatile as possible, so they can be their own originally unique artist.

Questions by Lucy Basaba.

East Wall will be shown from Wednesday 18th until Sunday 22nd July 2018 as part of this year’s LIFT Festival at the Tower of London. For more information on the production, visit here…