SIZE OF COMPANY
5–10 on the road

SCALE OF VENUE
Small- to middle-Scale

PERMANENT STAFF
Artistic Director/Performer
Gerald Tyler

Musical Director
Paul Wigens

Company Manager
Joe Evans

Technical Manager/Designer
John Collingswood

ARTISTIC POLICY
Year of the Bear is a company formed by mature, experienced artists to create genuinely cross-discipline performances for theatre and non-theatre (site-specific) spaces. Performances combine original live music with text, film, live action and the cunning use of technology. While accessible to a broad audience, shows are truly unconventional in form and content. Strong, though often non-linear narratives drive the performances and an elegant aesthetic is common to all productions with every element considered equally, including their physical environment.

REVIEW EXTRACTS
‘What makes this extraordinary theatre is the dexterity with which Tyler illustrates his mesmerising story through film, music and movement.’ The Guardian (Big Hands)

‘Big Hands, an intensely charismatic piece of theatre noir, a ravishing piece of performance, endearingly free from pretension.’ The Guardian

‘He (Tyler) is certainly a man to watch when it comes to cross-disciplinary theatre at the cutting edge.’ Western Mail

CURRENT PRODUCTIONS
Big Hands A theatre-noir detective story in which the protagonist is hired to keep a fallen angel from harm. With film, music and live action, this is a witty and touching show. (80 mins, no interval, 8 on the road, minimal strong language.)

Bonnie and Clyde Genuine drive-in theatre. Audiences watch the action from parked cars while the original soundtrack and dialogue are broadcast over the radio. Very physical with some text. (60 mins, no interval, 4 on the road, 1 local voice/actor, some strong language.)

Captain Sorrow Music and spoken word performance following a radio talk-show host on a funny and surreal journey to find his long lost “good twin”. Great stories with some filmed material. (75 mins, no interval, 7–10 on the road, some adult material.)

FUTURE PRODUCTIONS
There’s Something Wrong With Abel With live action, puppets and film, this darkly funny show depicts Kane, who is living in a modern suburban garden shed with his brother buried under the floor. (75 mins, no interval, 7–8 on the road.)

WRAP-AROUND
The company can offer workshops or master classes in: creating performances for non-theatre spaces; working creatively with technology; live music for theatre performances; non-dance choreography and the importance of invisible physical skill in theatre. The core members of the company are also available and interested in creating new works with overseas performers and companies, particularly works which are site-specific/responsive or productions which may combine theatre and business or industry partners. Both Big Hands and Bonnie & Clyde can use at least one local performer. In countries where English is not the first language, all the pre-recorded film elements in the show Big Hands will be re-filmed using local performers and in the local language. Subtitles can also be added to this show.

RECENT INTERNATIONAL WORK
2004 Germany, Netherlands (Slaughterhouse Lounge)

TOURING AVAILABILITY
Details on request