Please You Draw Near

a collaboration between Harriet Riley, Maia Ayling and Tom Jacob.

Created during the 2020 lockdown, it uses aerial circus, live music and text from Shakespeare’s ‘The Tempest’ to explore themes of isolation, powerlessness and determination. It responds to the currently pertinent question, “what is an artist without an audience?”.

Maia combines her experience in circus and theatre, performing the text and rope routine. This is displayed alongside Harriet’s live musical performance, filmed in a separate venue. The physical nature of the percussion mirrors the physicality of the aerial circus. Exploiting the challenges of Covid restrictions, Tom’s edit seeks to capture a unique perspective that is not possible in live performance, creating a sense of intimacy through the use of slow motion, double exposure, close-up photography and split screen.

Harriet’s musical composition is based around the rhythms of the speech, incorporating the ‘trochaic tetrameter’ in which the text was predominantly designed. This rhythmic pattern is passed around the different instruments: a multi-drum set up, vibraphone, tuned gongs and grand piano.

Maia originally trained in circus, before going on to study acting and physical performance. Harriet trained at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. Since graduating she has worked extensively as a performer and composer with orchestras, bands and theatre shows. Stroud based filmmaker Tom is studying for a Masters in Composition for Screen, and also works as director, DoP and editor. His work incorporates his in-depth knowledge of both music and film.

The film was funded by Help Musicians Fusion Fund and Thimble Theatre, without which it would not have been possible.

Aerial Circus: Maia Ayling

Music: Harriet Riley

Film: Tom Jacob

Words: William Shakespeare

Narration: Maia Ayling

Music Production: Tom Jacob

Camera Assistants: Lizzie Watts & Ryan Murphy

Design Consultant: Lizzie Watts

Filmed at St George's Bristol and Circomedia, Bristol

Released 14/03/21 by Good On Paper. Featured in Flock Fest 21 (26/03/21)