Playing Through A Pandemic
When we wrapped our riotous immersive Mardi Gras piece for Southern Comfort on the 5th March, we were looking forward to a busy year ahead, but 2020 had other things in store. Lockdown.
With all work paused for the foreseeable future, Issie and I isolating in different countries, and uncertainty on so many levels, we Feelers had to rethink what we do. It felt important to act, to contribute, so we looked to what we do best - connecting people through play. That is our greatest strength - with our clients, our company of performers, our audiences. So Reuben joined the ranks and went online, in a move that would ultimately change the way we all work and play.
First up: Reuben Feels… GROOVEMENT
Three mornings a week we led Groovement sessions live via Instastories. Groovement is a playful and enriching movement practice we’ve developed from our hours spent in the rehearsal room. It gets you out of your head and into your body; open, present and full of creative juices.
Strong coffee, red lipstick and a cheap tripod, all you need to connect with your global community (and decent wifi, although this didn’t always show up). Cranking up the carefully curated soundtrack, there was a thrill before pressing the LIVE button. A beat, staring into the Instavoid, then BAM! people popping in from all over the world. Strangers, past audiences, actors we hadn’t seen for years - it was magical to reconnect in this way... Groovement was making a difference in people’s lives.
It was super wonderful. I love to dance but I’ve never let go all my body from toes to fingers before. At least in this way that you showed. It was something new, fresh and something that I need so much.
Julia, Watercolour Artist
I love the grooving. It just sets me up for the day... can’t believe I haven’t danced for fun like that at home for so long. Always in clubs or high! Haha. Groovement is getting me high on life! Love the check in and your reminders of how it’s ok to feel whatever we’re feeling. Vibes are high. So grateful.
Becky, Stylist and Street Artist
Next up: Reuben Feels… FOR ACTORS BY ACTORS
Originally run as a live skill-swap initiative, we curated the For Actors By Actors (FABA) program as a platform for our Reubenites to share their talents and experience with others in our creative community.
Fast forward a couple of years, the shock of COVID19, a world in lockdown, we saw once again that play, self expression, connection with fellow creatives was vital, a necessary life line. So through April and May, FABA went online, an inspired program of classes streamed live, curated by us and led by our Reubenites. Across the program, there was so much support and engagement. The uptake on classes saw people return again and again, a credit to the Reubenites leading them.
ICYMI, here’s the roll-call of legends who generously lent their talent, energy and excellent vibes to the FABA programme:
Nadia Nadry - Yoga - has launched her own yoga business and brand.
Eleftheria “Freedom” Anastasiadou - Pilates - dancer body maintenance blogger, expert pilates teacher.
Jeremiah Olusola - Afro Caribbean - has made his dance teaching debut at prestigious Studio 68.
Ruben De Monte - Yoga - growing a loyal following of clients online and live.
Shomari Knott - Bollywood Fusion - continues to inspire people to dance, express themselves, and have fun.
Chiarina Woodall - Heels - empowering people through inspired choreography, dance and fitness.
Patrice Moniz - Horton Technique - has launched his own Graham & Horton Technique business.
Ami Benton - Vogue New Way - coaching newcomers to pose, walk, and run themselves as a business.
Janet Mayer + Matthew Lawrence - Drawing Cabaret Couture - popular online life drawing classes featuring up and coming fashion designers.
Reuben Feels… THE LEARNING
We need each other. We need to connect and play and find meaning. It’s been a significant and sobering time for Reuben, as for so many. As a company that straddles the arts, marketing and hospitality we’re in perilous waters. In our nearly 10 years as immersive storytellers the landscape has never looked so uncertain, but we as practitioners have never been more certain of the power and importance of what we do.
2020 has taught Reuben that creating connected, playful experiences for our clients, our society, is something we do because we believe in its value. We cannot wait for the new and exciting opportunities that these extraordinary times are unearthing. So here’s to a future that cherishes creativity, connectedness and play, through whatever means available.