The Plank is an open community group where we explore many aspects of free improvisation and group playing. The sessions consist of some structured activity and some free play. We welcome artists of other mediums to respond within the space, or those that want to be passive within the space.

The 2023 programme has been supported by The Ranworth Trust and as a result we have been able to invite a number of guest artists to lead sessions, and make use of a variety of different venues.

This session will be led by Cat Westwood, focussing on movement.

Cat Westwood, dancer and practitioner, works with a strong impetus in collaboration and improvisation. In particular, her process explores embodiment within an environment, to create movement-language informing the specific work(s).

Westwood has toured internationally as a performer and creator and has worked with many influential choreographers including Siobhan Davies, Charlotte Vincent, Marie-Gabrielle Roti, Oguri, Kathy Crick, Melanie Clarke, Rosemary Brant, Zoi Dimitrou, Gill Clarke and Morleigh Steinberg.

In 2013 Westwood co-founded Eleven Farrer House whose artistic activities are centred on creating high-quality choreographic and performative experiences, emerging from a strong collaborative framework. Formed by dance artists Gaelin Little (UK), Tara Silverthorn (UK/CH), Cat Westwood (UK) and Lucille Teppa (FR), EFH projects sit primarily within the field of dance and movement, whether site-specific performances, stage work or dance on film. EFH work has been performed in England and abroad, and supported by the Norfolk County Council, the Rebecca Skelton Fund, the Ballet National de Marseille (France) and the Lisa Ullmann Scholarship Travelling Fund, LIVE Boarders, Creative Scotland Funding, Dance Base and Arts Council England.

Her works includes on going collaboration with composer Sarah Westwood. Projects includes: dance film WATER-face, which received funding from the European Social Fund and is housed in the National Library of Wales; Grey-stem, which was first performed at the Electric Lodge Theatre LA, and later screen at Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre London; and currently Sarah’s PhD portfolio in practised-based research at Goldsmiths University of London.

Visit The Plank page for full details.

Please note: You may bring anything you like; instruments, objects, devices….
Please bring your own amplification if required, there is no PA.
You are welcome to observe, we welcome anyone who wants to form an audience.
The Plank is an entirely open platform, it will be curated and facilitated by Eastern Ear where appropriate but we welcome suggestions of any nature.
If you have a personal objective from attending ‘The Plank’ (such as to work with a drummer) then please make that clear to us at the beginning of the session.