More than 70 performers from the local community will celebrate the reinterment of King Richard III at Leicester Cathedral on Friday 27 March by performing an original piece of theatre devised by Curve’s artistic director Nikolai Foster and choreographer Mel Knott.
Foster said, “we’re honoured the Cathedral has asked Curve to be a part of this historic occasion, and to join in celebrating the legacy of King Richard III.
“We have an astonishing community ensemble from many different backgrounds which fully reflects the brilliant diversity of our great city and county. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for all of us involved in this project and we’re all relishing it.”
As part of the service, the company will perform a piece which consists of three sections. Each one will combine movement and dance with traditional choral music There will also be original compositions created especially for the piece by Leicester-based drum ‘n’ bass composer Rob Heslop.
A sculpture designed by Tony-nominated theatre designer Matthew Wright will form a centrepiece for the ceremonial performance while the new resting place for the former monarch in the heart of the cathedral will also be revealed during Curve’s performance.
The Very Revd David Monteith, Dean of Leicester, added, “I’m so glad Curve’s performers have responded to our invitation with such imagination. They will add a great sense of vitality and they will show how King Richard III’s story will go on inspiring new artistic response for generations to come.”
The remains of King Richard III—the last English king to die in battle—were found under a car park in the city as part of an archaeological project by the University of Leicester.