PrefaceMorn is an integrated dance theatre company that was formed in 2007 by director Niall Cullen.
With disabled and able-bodied performers, PrefaceMorn aims to create innovative and accessible dance theatre.
Accessibility in the arts is of great importance to director Niall Cullen. As dance in performance is almost exclusively a visual medium and dance theatre still relies heavily on form and image, it is often out of reach for a visually impaired audience. PrefaceMorn have identified the need for a more accessible form of dance theatre. The integral use of audio description in the company’s work aims to provide a way into dance theatre for a visually impaired audience. PrefaceMorn also has the intention in the future of working with sign interpreters.
By providing accessible workshops and professional training to dancers and theatre practitioners interested in integrated practice, PrefaceMorn also intends to cover an area that has been repeatedly abandoned by dance and theatre training providers: professional dance theatre training for disabled people.
This training aims to provide a route for disabled artists into dance theatre practice at a professional level, whilst also encouraging integration. The training will support disabled and able-bodied artists to develop creatively and have the confidence to take the next step in their professional career.
PrefaceMorn ran a pilot training workshop in professional integrated practice in April 2010 funded by an UnLtd Millennium Award grant, and are building on the experiences of the participants in the development of further training.
Since its founding in 2007 PrefaceMorn has been developing ‘Beauty in Stone’ a sculptural dance piece that looks at how the female form is viewed in today’s Western society, exploring ideas and ideals of femininity, and is ultimately a celebration of the female form in all its natural beauty. The piece has seen several periods of development from the initial consultations and support from Candoco Dance Company and Graeae Theatre Company. We have continued to reflect on the work, using feedback from our audiences, peers and critics to define the work. ‘Beauty in Stone’ has been performed at several UK platforms, including dance4 (Nottingham, 2008), Brunel’s Scenepool (Camden People’s Theatre, 2008), Resolution! (The Place, 2009) and most recently as part of a trio of new work to a sell out audience (Rich Mix, 2010).
PrefaceMorn are currently applying for funding for a regional tour of ‘Beauty in Stone’ by director Niall Cullen, alongside an opportunity for an early career choreographer to create a piece based on a concept by Charlotte Coking entitled ‘Rendered’. PrefaceMorn aims to increase the percentage of disabled audiences and provide an accessible education programme throughout this tour.
If you consider yourself to be an early career choreographer, a performer, musician, artist, or if you would like any further information, please do get in touch.
If you are a venue interested in showing our work we would love to hear from you!
PrefaceMorn is a not-for-profit Dance Theatre Company Limited by Guarantee registered in England and Wales. Company No.: 07116599
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