During lockdown Cast have commissioned Akeim Toussaint Buck to work together with a group of young people to create a message of hope for Doncaster. Renowned dancer and choreographer Akeim Toussaint Buck as inspired by the young people from Doncaster to create the piece. Doncaster is a place many call home and the message from the young people is that culture is bringing communities and generations together.
Deborah Rees, Director at Cast says:
‘I’ve always loved Akeim’s work, we programmed Windows of Displacement in 2018 and I watched The Importance of Not Giving In online and his vibrancy and energy translated so well digitally. The film was so joyful, and that’s when I knew he was the artist to commission to create a message of hope for the people of Doncaster. I was so excited about the prospect of creating a film and what better way than doing that through a participatory project with young people who have missed out on so much over the past year.’
Akeim Toussaint Buck Creator says:
‘I believe in nurturing the talents of young people and the act of paying homage to where you come from or live has always been important to me. For 'Casting Hope' it felt like I got to do both. Giving these young dancers an opportunity to dance in the light of their joy for living in Doncaster felt like the right thing to do with this opportunity. I'm so proud of the process, how we collated the words and movement collaboratively with inspiration from the people of Doncaster to create this fantastic short film. I just want to say a massive thanks to all the people of Doncaster and the dancers for giving your energy and being willing to show up. Thank you Cast for commissioning this project, it is a beautiful success.’
Choreography by Akeim Toussaint, assistant Dance Artist Charlotte Gaylor, Audio by Akeim Touissant and the Dancers. The Dancers are; Summer Scase, Emily Coulter, Tasha Kay, Amelia Atkinson, Sophie Dimanna, Ella Roberts, Ella-tyne Sample, Caitlin Heath, Maisie Abbott, Tegan Whitby and Millie Florez Martinez. The Young people were supported by Nicola Doyle. Film and Edit by Wayne Sables.
