Equity Union Calls for Separate Awards for Theatre Movement Directors
The Choreographers and Movement Directors Network (CMDN), a branch of the UK actors' union Equity, is calling for major theatre awards to establish distinct categories for movement directors. Following the recent Olivier Awards, where Fabian Aloise won for best choreography, the CMDN highlighted that movement directors remain unrecognized despite their crucial role in physical storytelling. The group emphasized that while choreography often involves dance, movement direction shapes the physical language, characterization, and drama of entire productions. The statement praised the Black British Theatre Awards for including movement direction in their choreography category but criticized the Olivier Awards, UK Theatre Awards, and Critics’ Circle Theatre Awards for lacking dedicated recognition. The CMDN spotlighted several movement directors, including Jenny Ogilvie for Into the Woods and Leanne Pinder for Punch, whose contributions went unacknowledged. Established in 2023 by Polly Bennett, the network aims to ensure these artists are seen and respected. This campaign aligns with broader industry efforts to update award criteria, such as recent petitions for video design categories, reflecting the evolving nature of theatrical production and the need for inclusive acknowledgment of all creative disciplines.
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Equity Union Calls for Separate Awards for Theatre Movement Directors
The Choreographers and Movement Directors Network (CMDN), a branch of the UK actors' union Equity, is calling for major theatre awards to establish distinct categories for movement directors. Following the recent Olivier Awards, where Fabian Aloise won for best choreography, the CMDN highlighted that movement directors remain unrecognized despite their crucial role in physical storytelling. The group emphasized that while choreography often involves dance, movement direction shapes the physical language, characterization, and drama of entire productions. The statement praised the Black British Theatre Awards for including movement direction in their choreography category but criticized the Olivier Awards, UK Theatre Awards, and Critics’ Circle Theatre Awards for lacking dedicated recognition. The CMDN spotlighted several movement directors, including Jenny Ogilvie for Into the Woods and Leanne Pinder for Punch, whose contributions went unacknowledged. Established in 2023 by Polly Bennett, the network aims to ensure these artists are seen and respected. This campaign aligns with broader industry efforts to update award criteria, such as recent petitions for video design categories, reflecting the evolving nature of theatrical production and the need for inclusive acknowledgment of all creative disciplines.
The Guardian