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Making my way from Liverpool Central Station, to The Brink, Liverpool, on Friday April 15th, I feel a frisson of excitement. A bevy of angels will be arriving there shortly and I can almost hear the gentle flurry of wings as I turn left into Parr Street.
This is a celebration; a place for friends to meet up and play, and for fallen angels to rise and shine.
I arrive at The Brink, one of my favourite places; an integral part of my recovery and a hub of creativity.
Today's presentation and two performances, are a snapshot of the projects that Risen have been involved in over the past year. It is a chance for us to showcase our work and portray the power of the arts to enhance recovery and reconnect the spirit.
We have a walk through of both pieces and Claire goes over the order for the presentation of topics. I am so pleased to be here, about to perform, as following a total knee replacement just seven weeks ago, I really thought I'd have to sit this one out.
The venue is filling up and the ambience is one of positive anticipation. I enjoy a famous Brink cordial (lemon and ginger) with hot water, bought for me by Frank.
Paul introduces us in his usual inimitable style, enthusiasm bubbling into the audience as they warm to him.
Andy and Ali get the show on the road and talk about the beginning of the year's projects and their own experiences.
Following this is an improvisation, focusing on light and breath. It is exhilarating to be performing in front of an audience again and because this is an improvisation, it is exciting and fulfilling to step into "the zone," a natural high like no other.
Kelly Hart talks about Lufstock, the camping trip at which Risen got back to nature and danced in the rain. I was unable to be there and as I listen to her speak, I really wish that I had been part of that.
Up next is Kelly Jones, regaling us on the highs and lows (mostly highs) of the U.K. Recovery walk in Durham. I am impressed because this girl is a natural; a very effective public speaker, with a way of drawing an audience in and compelling them to listen to her.
Artist Frank talks about the work we created, which was inspired by his drawings and a poem that he wrote. The piece was "Gods of the Sky," and was performed by Risen at The Bluecoat just before Christmas. Finally, I put in a plug for this blog and then Risen prepare for the finale, a piece entitled "A Playground of Angels."
The performance of this piece is a moving and uplifting experience. To dance it is to immerse the self in a fragment of the divine. It is charged with emotion and just a sprinkling of angel dust.This is a meeting of souls, made possible by Paul's wonderful creativity. It is a privilege to be dancing with Ali and the two Kellys again and to reconnect with their energy. The music is powerful and evocative and its rhythm pounds in my heart. At its crescendo, we lift Ali and it feels as though sheer potency of spirit could hold her there,even were we to withdraw our hands.
The audience are delighted and we are intoxicated by their reaction and ready to bask in the applause.
I go to meet my sister Lizzie who has come to support us tonight and I introduce her to some of my fellow angels.
The Brink have laid on food, which is very welcome at this point and I am happy to tuck in along with my fellow Brinksters. There is a fair bit of networking and general camaraderie going on and it is lovely to see a few people we haven't seen for a while.
Once again, I think I can say that the evening has been a success and I feel very lucky and honoured to be a member of Risen Angels.
Linda Lewis
25.4.16
This is a celebration; a place for friends to meet up and play, and for fallen angels to rise and shine.
I arrive at The Brink, one of my favourite places; an integral part of my recovery and a hub of creativity.
Today's presentation and two performances, are a snapshot of the projects that Risen have been involved in over the past year. It is a chance for us to showcase our work and portray the power of the arts to enhance recovery and reconnect the spirit.
We have a walk through of both pieces and Claire goes over the order for the presentation of topics. I am so pleased to be here, about to perform, as following a total knee replacement just seven weeks ago, I really thought I'd have to sit this one out.
The venue is filling up and the ambience is one of positive anticipation. I enjoy a famous Brink cordial (lemon and ginger) with hot water, bought for me by Frank.
Paul introduces us in his usual inimitable style, enthusiasm bubbling into the audience as they warm to him.
Andy and Ali get the show on the road and talk about the beginning of the year's projects and their own experiences.
Following this is an improvisation, focusing on light and breath. It is exhilarating to be performing in front of an audience again and because this is an improvisation, it is exciting and fulfilling to step into "the zone," a natural high like no other.
Kelly Hart talks about Lufstock, the camping trip at which Risen got back to nature and danced in the rain. I was unable to be there and as I listen to her speak, I really wish that I had been part of that.
Up next is Kelly Jones, regaling us on the highs and lows (mostly highs) of the U.K. Recovery walk in Durham. I am impressed because this girl is a natural; a very effective public speaker, with a way of drawing an audience in and compelling them to listen to her.
Artist Frank talks about the work we created, which was inspired by his drawings and a poem that he wrote. The piece was "Gods of the Sky," and was performed by Risen at The Bluecoat just before Christmas. Finally, I put in a plug for this blog and then Risen prepare for the finale, a piece entitled "A Playground of Angels."
The performance of this piece is a moving and uplifting experience. To dance it is to immerse the self in a fragment of the divine. It is charged with emotion and just a sprinkling of angel dust.This is a meeting of souls, made possible by Paul's wonderful creativity. It is a privilege to be dancing with Ali and the two Kellys again and to reconnect with their energy. The music is powerful and evocative and its rhythm pounds in my heart. At its crescendo, we lift Ali and it feels as though sheer potency of spirit could hold her there,even were we to withdraw our hands.
The audience are delighted and we are intoxicated by their reaction and ready to bask in the applause.
I go to meet my sister Lizzie who has come to support us tonight and I introduce her to some of my fellow angels.
The Brink have laid on food, which is very welcome at this point and I am happy to tuck in along with my fellow Brinksters. There is a fair bit of networking and general camaraderie going on and it is lovely to see a few people we haven't seen for a while.
Once again, I think I can say that the evening has been a success and I feel very lucky and honoured to be a member of Risen Angels.
Linda Lewis
25.4.16