Press Release: Anjali Dance Company presents Bloodsuckers, a new film by Lea Anderson this Halloween

[Jan McNulty]

 

Anjali Dance Company presents Bloodsuckers, a new film by Lea Anderson this Halloween 

 

 

This Halloween, Anjali Dance Company the UK’s leading organisation dedicated to celebrating the creativity and talents of learning-disabled people, presents the premiere of Bloodsuckers a new dance film choreographed by the renowned Lea Anderson MBE, available to stream for free from 07:00 on 31 October - 07:00 on 2 November on Anjali’s YouTube channel.

 

Inspired by the legend of the vampire Nosferatu and depictions in the iconic horror films by F.W. Murnau and Werner Herzog, Bloodsuckers is a reimagined version of the Company’s 2017 production that toured to audiences of over 4,000 people in the UK and internationally.

 

For Bloodsuckers, Lea Anderson has re-interpreted its language within a new cinematic form that is gently humorous and visually striking. The work sees five dancers perform scenes from the Nosferatu films, sampling various film genres including expressionist cinema, silent film, and gothic horror.

 

Of Bloodsuckers Lea Anderson MBE said: “Anjali are a company of thoughtful and passionate artists committed to risk-taking in the name of art. I wanted to create this new digital work with no possibility of predicting the outcome, something that would allow none of us to revert to safe or known methods of creating successful work. I’m excited that we are able to share Bloodsuckers with a wider audience, from a different perspective, through this film.”

 

Alex Henwood, Director of Anjali Dance Company added: “Bloodsuckers is a new and exciting artistic direction for Anjali. It exemplifies the Company’s breadth of talent and innovation, showcasing the ability to blend bold storytelling with captivating visual artistry.”

 

Fiona Morris Chief Executive and Creative Director said: “The Space is delighted to be able to support Anjali Dance in the creation of Bloodsuckers, a new digital imagining from Lea Anderson based on the original touring work. The film playfully uses green screen and split screen to bring the choreography to life for a new audience, challenging our perceptions of disability through the performances and the process of making film”. 

 

For over 25 years Anjali Dance Company has been creating professional opportunities for learning disabled dancers and promoting greater access and representation in the arts. The Company’s work spans performances, digital creations, workshops, and community projects aimed at challenging perceptions, increasing cultural engagement and fostering inclusion.

 

Plans for further digital and in-person screenings to be announced soon. Alongside the digital film, a sensory wrap around experience for in-person screenings will offer audiences the chance to see and feel props and costumes. An audio described version of the film, will also be available.

 

Bloodsuckers is commissioned by The Space, funded by Arts Council England Lottery Project Grants and supported by Deda.