They Shall Not Pass
At a time when division and hatred is on the rise, the arts can be used to challenge these views more powerfully than words alone. They Shall Not Pass is a new percussive dance piece commissioned by the festival, as part of our All Together Now initiative.
Using traditional English clog, Flamenco, Indian Kathak and African dance, this piece celebrated the rich cultures and art forms that exist in the UK. It beautifully illustrated that not only is it possible for cultures to rub alongside each other, but that they can work together to create new, beautiful ideas and art.
They Shall Not Pass featured Hannah James (lead artist & English Clog dancer), with Sonia Sabri (Kathak), Cormac Byrne (percussion), Guiliano Modarelli (guitar), Ana Garcia (Flamenco), Marietou (African dance), Khalifa Aconte (African drums), Sarvar Sabri (tabla), Claudia Schwab (fiddle), Grace Petri (vocals and guitar), and Toby Campion (poet).
We will dance together; they shall not pass.