Second Hand Dance’s Night Tree Films, a pair of dance films based on Eve Bunting’s book Night Tree for children aged 3–7 and their adults, are live on Sadler’s Wells Digital Stage until 4 January 2022.
Created by disabled-led Second Hand Dance, the Night Tree Films are available in three versions: one with audio description and one with illustrated, animated creative captions for young D/deaf audiences or anyone who enjoys reading and singing along.
The films are accompanied by an activity pack which can be printed or listened to at home, with details on how to create your own forest floor, make a bird feeder, plus a recipe for hot chocolate.
Rosie Heafford, Artistic Director of Second Hand Dance, said, “it was really important to me that we could ignite a bit of wonder about the natural world around us, to create a sensory digital experience where families create their own forest floor, make a bird feeder or sip hot chocolate as they watch. With accessibility woven into the films through audio description and beautifully illustrated captions, I hope the Night Tree Films sprinkle some winter magic into living rooms for children and adults to enjoy together.”
Night Tree began life as a live show in 2018 and was reimagined as a film during lockdown following a commission from Pavilion Dance South West, which hosted its première in February 2021. For the Sadler’s Wells Digital Stage festive season, it will be screened alongside Ballo Arthur Pita’s The Little Match Girl.