We are working with Solent based artist and movement director Luke Brown to support the step-change of his artistic practice and the development and presentation of two new works centred around the idea of dandelion children…

“Following twenty-five years of revolutionary research, Dr Boyce discovered that children are either orchids – sensitive, fragile, more susceptible to their surroundings – or dandelions – hardy, resilient and able to thrive regardless of conditions around them.” The Orchid and the Dandelion: W Thomas Boyce, MD

The Dandelion Child

The Dandelion Child will be a show that aims to shed light on the profound impact of domestic abuse on children and how that manifests into adulthood. At it’s core it is an honest sharing of the multifaceted ways in which trauma comes back to bite Luke, makes him howl with laughter, cry with sadness, crave for physical touch, battle with loneliness, long for parents and wonder if he could ever be a dad – a gay dad at that.

Core Creative Team:

Luke Brown: AD of Luke Brown Company
Rosalind Conlon: Producer
Ben Wright: Creative Collaborator/Mentor
Andrea Summers: GreenTrauma informed/Care Practitioner
Olivia Wallis Jackson: Support Worker (Administrative)

Currently in research and development. The video below is from the initial research and development phase of 2019. Supported by Arts Council England; Portsmouth Guildhall; Arnold Clark Community Fund and Crying Out Loud.

Walk of the Dandelion

An uplifting community engagement project designed to spread joy, connect families, friends and neighbours in both outdoor and indoor settings. The essence of the project centres around a larger-than-life Puppet named Daniel, who holds a dandelion; a symbol of resilience and hope. Daniel will move through and visit a variety of community settings encouraging the making, receiving and passing on of handmade dandelions. The mission is to help stimulate mindfulness and encourage a focus on resilience.

In creation, with previews planned for Spring/Summer 2025. Supported by Arts Council England, Crying Out Loud and 101 Outdoor Arts Newbury.

These projects form part of Crying Out Loud’s Solent Creative Development programme.