Anne-Christelle Zanzen
STAGE DIRECTOR
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The Falcon's Flight / Director

by Jenna Thorne and Anne-Christelle Zanzen - Loughton Festival 2018

The strong cast and fine directing
ensured that the audience was gripped throughout.
— Cllr. Stephen Pewsey Author & Historian
The public were overwhelmed with the actors’ performances,
as they portrayed their historical character with excellence.
— Ray Harris, Producer

About the Play

The Falcon’s Flight is a story of hope in the midst of hardship, inspired by the true story of Princess Gytha, the daughter of King Harold. Set after the events of the Battle of Hastings, Gytha and her family find themselves foreigners in their own country. As they flee death and persecution, they must fight to maintain their Anglo- Saxon roots - through war, bargaining and royal ties. As Gytha’s childhood world crashes around her, she is forced to become a pawn in a high stakes game. Refusing to let others decide her next move, and resolute in the faith inherited by her father, she goes on a journey (that is not without sacrifice) for her family’s survival and future legacy.

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Historical and Current Context

One of the play’s goals is to bring an unknown aspect of a well-known story to life. Through revealing Gytha’s journey within Epping Forest, part of the local heritage and culture is unearthed, enabling the local community to understand more about themselves and where they come from.

Environmental Context

This was a zero-carbon footprint production. The natural environment was a living character within the story. The play uses natural lights, sound and setting - inviting the audience to enjoy and appreciate the beauty and importance of the environment around them.


CREDIT

The Falcon’s Flight (site specific in Epping Forest), The Loughton Festival, by Jenna Thorne and Anne-Christelle Zanzen, 20th May 2018

Writers: Jenna Thorne and Anne-Christelle Zanzen / Producer: Ray Harris, Creative Expressions / Director: Anne-Christelle Zanzen / Fight Director: Briar Knowles / Stage Manager: Lavinia Serban and Anna Zentala / Costume: Christian Drama Resource Centre / Cast: Jenna Thorne, Angus Berryman, Lou Turner, Jonathan Hansler, Alexander Capon, Louise Ann Munro / Photography: Jonathan Price / Cameraman and Editor: John Price, Ray Harris and Mark Boyce / Graphic Designer: Geoffrey Sleiman

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