We’re delighted to have dance artist Joanne Pirrie back in Wolves ‘pack’ this year, having performed in our large-scale performance project last March. Joanne shares with us her thoughts on Wolves, gives us an insight into the devising process and what it’s been like in rehearsals this time around.

“I think I probably speak for most freelance dancers when I say the thing we long for most when working, is more time.  More time to invest in and develop the show, more time for the show to settle and flourish, and more performance opportunities.  So it really is a privilege to, after one year, step back into Wolves.

So much has happened in a year, and I think that’s important and will be really apparent in the show. Of course, it’s a very different piece having ‘a mere’ 10 performers this time round; but the 60 participants from the original version have certainly made their mark, and whilst their energy, stories and presence will remain in there, ultimately the biggest shift is that OUR stories are really having the time to be told. And with real life mothers, daughters, fathers and brothers within the cast, these stories and relationships seem even more poignant.

It’s been super exciting in the studio so far. The past year has given Natasha the time and space to really think about what works in the show, what speaks to the audience, what we perhaps didn’t have a chance to delve into last time and what ideas emerged during performances that can be explored further.  We’ve been improvising lots, trying out lots of new ideas, discussing new thoughts and experiences and creating new material. And what is always such a pleasure about working with Barrowland Ballet is how much we laugh. There is this inherent sense of taking the work very seriously without taking ourselves too seriously, and subsequently rehearsals really are joyous!

We’re at the stage now where the new Wolves is really starting to take shape but we’re still making discoveries and it’s changing and evolving. I’m really looking forward to seeing how much more we can bring to it and what the show will become. I’m pretty certain with this wonderfully creative and talented bunch that it’ll be something really quite special.