It’s been on for a few weeks already, and has attracted over 4000 visitors so far, with a free installation exhibition open throughout the day, along with a performance which tuns until 27 February.

The installation allows visitors to explore the sensory space of The Woods, influenced by woodland and the architecture of the gallery. With its provocative nature, the space offers space to invert or project your own narratives or scenarios.

Influenced by an autumn spent under the trees, nature writing and personal stories of letting go, this brave and moving performance tells a story of loss and transformation.

The Woods is intense and poetic – using narrative and gentle audience engagement to create an immersive experience which takes you deep into the richly textured world of the woods and the imagination.

Performances run daily until 27 February, tickets can be booked online via mac’s website.

Take a look at the trailer, filmed by Chris Keenen.

The Woods Trailer from Jane Packman on Vimeo.

This gentle, interactive performance offers a fleeting experience of a different world. Centred around three pieces of sculptural jewellery – specially commissioned from West Midlands jewellers – it is influenced by dressing ceremonies and fantastical storytelling

The jewellery’s provided by Mikaela Lyons, John Moore and Louise Bryan.

Pilot is a platform for testing new theatre work from the West Midlands and beyond. Deadline for submissions Monday 1st March, 12pm

RELEASE THE BEAST

Had an idea laying dormant for a while that you almost daren’t wake up? Not sure if it’s mad or genius?
Kindle invite performers/practitioners/fools to submit ideas for performance which frighten them. Whether in form, content or style it must push you beyond your comfort zone into unknown territory.

Challenge yourself in a lively, supportive atmosphere and get honest feedback from peers and audience. All fools will be applauded.

AE Harris is an industrial warehouse in Birmingham’s Jewelry Quarter. It’s big, blank and open to you, with four huge spaces and lots of corners, nooks and crannies to test your idea in. Site-specific ideas are most welcome.

We can offer you a small bursary, documentation of your performance, and rehearsal space in the venue from Monday 29th March.

Kindle will also be hosting an unusual meal for all the artists involved on the Wednesday night, in the venue.

In other news, on 6 March you should definitely go to Warwick Arts Centre for The Bite Size Festival 2010:

a whirlwind tour of the region’s theatre, offering you the one-off opportunity to sample a range of great work in one place on the same day.

This year’s lineup includes Stans Cafe, Pentabus, Foursight, Kindle, Jane Packman Productions, Spanner, New Macho, Needle and Thread and Vanessa Oakes. PLUS the first opportunity to see two shows we’ve commissioned especially with Warwick Arts Centre and mac following the First Bite Festival back in November: Caroline Horton’s You’re Not Like The Other Girls Chrissy and Untied Artists’ Al Bowlly’s Croon Manifesto.

Grab a day ticket and wallow in some entertainingness. Kindle Theatre will be doing 30 mins of Eat Your Heart Out, which I saw last year and thought was really very good indeed.

Director Jane Packman and the woods project team will be working in Highbury Park during September to create a promenade performance in the park at nightfall. We invite you to a “work in progess showing” on Thursday 2nd october at 7pm to see the work so far. Please wear sturdy footwear. We will guide you by torchlight around Highbury, encountering stories and characters as we go.

Jane has a very occasionally updated blog at janepackman.co.uk, although it doesn’t shed any more light on what will be happening.  That’s no prob though, cos it looks interesting anyway.  Just hope it’s dry.

Photo by HPF.