The Power of Performance: This Is Us

A spectacular new outdoor performance brings the atmosphere and passion of rugby league out of the stadium and onto the streets. All before kick-off.

This specially commissioned free show, which features dance, music and aerial performance, tells three unique stories about the game and its people, charting how it has evolved from its roots to the sport we see today.

Bringing together fans of sport and art This Is Us celebrates The Power of Together with a central company of professional performers collaborating with a participant cast drawn from the residents of each location.

The Power of Performance: This is Us is coming to four cities across the North: Newcastle, Hull, Leeds and Manchester.

HOW IT WORKS

· The Power of Performance: This is Us is told through three stories in three different locations, all situated close to each other.

· Each story lasts 10-12 minutes with a 10 minute break before starting again, so you can move on to the next location and see the next story.

· You can watch the stories in any order and each will run 6 times giving you plenty of opportunity to catch the action.

· Look out for our street bands and processions which will help to guide you to the next location.

THE STORIES

Origins

It’s late 19^th century Northern England. Tired of losing wages due to training or injury, the working-class rugby players have decided to stand up for their rights to be paid to play the sport. As a result, the Northern clubs break free and form the separate game which later becomes known as rugby league. With a soundtrack which moves from driving industrial, to haunting folk and uplifting brass, this is a story of true spirit and pride.

One and All

Proud of our game, proud of it being for everyone, we follow three players who break down barriers to succeed as sporting heroes. This year’s World Cup brings together the men’s, women’s and wheelchair tournaments for the first time, and celebrates the players who have paved the way for the game to be accessible to everyone. Incorporating British Sign Language and audio description, this story tells the world that rugby league can be played by all.

Tries and Triumphs

Poised between the terraces and the pitch we feel the passion of the fans and the pride of the players as the physical effort on the pitch is matched in the emotional response of the spectators. Narrated by a single fan we feel every rise and fall of the game, from the muddy battles to the ultimate soaring triumph of scoring.

The Power of Performance: This is Us is coming to four cities across the North:

Newcastle – Find out more

Hull – Find out more

Leeds – Find out more

Manchester – Find out more

The Power of Performance: This is Us is produced by Pinwheel, directed by Robby Graham / Southpaw Dance Company with Simon Sharkey as writer and artistic advisor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which cities is Power of Performance: This is Us touring to?

Power of Performance: This is Us is coming to four cities across the North of England: Newcastle, Hull, Leeds and Manchester.

How many performances are there?

Power of Performance: This is Us is told through three stories – Origins, One and All and Tries and Triumphs - in three different locations in Newcastle, Hull and Leeds, all situated close together. In Manchester there will be Tries and Triumphs.

How long does each performance last?

Each story lasts 10-12 minutes followed by a 10-minute break before starting again so you can move on to the next location and see the next story.

Do I have to watch the performances in a particular order?

You can watch the stories in any order, and each will run six times giving you plenty of opportunity to catch the action.

What if I’m not sure where each performance is taking place?

Look out for our street bands and processions which will help to guide you to the next location.

How much do they cost to watch?

All performances are free.

What age are the performances suitable for?

Performances are suitable for all ages.

Where can I see the performances in Newcastle?

Performances in Newcastle will take place at Strawberry Place (Origins), The Lumen (One and All) and Science Square (Tries and Triumphs).