The Progressive Jewish Community of East Anglia
Registered Charity No. 1053565

A Constituent of the Union of Liberal and Progressive Synagogues
Liberal Judaism -- Supporting the Leo Baeck College-Centre for Jewish Education

NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY 2005 -

JULIE WATERMAN AND THE AMICI THEATRE COMPANY

You may have seen Julie’s entry in the September edition of this newsletter about her involvement in the Amici Theatre Company and their recent visit to Norwich, which culminated in a performance on 18 September

I went along that evening and enjoyed the programme, which was in two parts, very much. The first half featured the London-based company of disabled and able-bodied performers in superb dance sequences, choreographed by members of the group and accompanied by wonderful music, both contemporary and classical. The second half included local people, again both disabled and able-bodied, who had first met together as a group only five days before and, together with the company, created an innovative and vibrant performance

One person in particular caught my interest, a woman on an electric scooter, who seemed vaguely familiar, appeared and began to sail around the stage, executing graceful arabesques and turns. One got the impression that she was doing leaps, twirls and pirouettes, while nevertheless all the time remaining firmly ensconced on the scooter. She was a truly fantastic and uplifting sight

Afterwards Julie, for she it was, told me that she used to dance ballet and that it is nearly twenty years since she has done any. She also said that she had had an exciting and stimulating week with the group, joining in putting the show together and enjoying the surge of confidence and enjoyment that had been generated as everyone had participated fully and given it their all

I also learned that our Julie has another hidden talent, which she is exploring, in the field of art, and I saw two of her recent paintings on show in the Playhouse foyer. Both portraits in stylised mode, which as her written piece explained, depict aspects of her life and experiences as a disabled woman

I was so glad that I went along; it was a joy to see Julie in full flight, as it were, and great to experience the work of such an unusual professional theatre company

As you may know Julie is leaving the community shortly. Mick, her husband, has been appointed to a post in the Sociology Department at Hull University. Good news for them, of course, but sad that they will be leaving us. We’ll miss Julie’s enthusiastic and friendly presence. I know the whole congregation will join me in wishing them well in their new life

Echoing Miriam’s sentiments: Julie, Mick, you were always very supportive of the PJCEA and you will be sorely missed. Good luck to you both. Keep in touch —Ed