Windrush: Movement of the People

Windrush: Movement of the People:

Phoenix Dance Theatre performs Sharon Watson’s Windrush: Movement of the People, the first contemporary dance work to explore the narrative of the arrival of SS Empire Windrush that brought the first Caribbean migrants to the UK.

The work is a lively celebration of the rise of multicultural Britain and features an uplifting soundtrack from calypso, jazz, gospel and reggae with original music created by Christella Litras and features set and costume design by Eleanor Bull.

Sharon Watson said: “Windrush: Movement of the People highlights both the struggles and good times the Jamaican community experienced during those early years.” She added, “it is an uplifting dance production that is not only enjoyable but will shine a light on an important era of the history of black people here in the UK.”

Commended by audiences and critics since its premiere at Leeds Playhouse in 2018, Phoenix Dance Theatre’s production has toured UK venues to sell out auditoriums and festivals and was performed in Germany. The Production was captured for film in December 2018 and was broadcast on BBC Four in February 2019.

The original music score by Christella Litras is funded by the PRS for Music Foundation’s Open Grant.

Screened on BBC4, 17th Feb 2019 & 22 June 2022

Film Producer
Martin Collins

Film Director
Ross McGibbon

Choreographer
Sharon Watson

Composer
Christella Litras

Set & Costume Designer
Eleanor Bull

Lighting Designer
Luke Haywood