CPPM AVATUD TUND: LUCIA CHOCARRO AND KATIE LUSBY | GECKO (Ühendkuningriigid) • CPPM AUTUMN 2025 SEASON

Gecko

Gecko, a British physical theatre company founded in 2001 and led by its visionary Artistic Director, Amit Lahav, has carved out a distinctive identity in the global theatre landscape. Their work is instantly recognisable for its breathtaking physicality, stunning visual narratives, and an emotional depth that profoundly resonates with audiences.

The company's creative process is a rigorous, organic journey, often spanning up to two years for a single production. Moving beyond conventional script-based theatre, Gecko integrates all elements—movement, sound, lighting, set design, and even multiple languages—from the very first day. Lahav emphasises patiently allowing initial thoughts and ideas to surface before meticulously organising and connecting them to construct complex, layered narratives. The international ensemble, diverse in their backgrounds and personal histories, enriches the rehearsal room, contributing to a vibrant tapestry of experiences that inform the work. Trust and a non-judgmental environment are crucial, as they foster the emotional openness and physical discipline essential for Gecko's highly expressive style.

Gecko's productions are often described as vivid dreamscapes or compelling nightmares, characterised by intense physicality and athletic movement where performers exhibit remarkable strength, control, and endurance to convey intricate emotions and narratives. The ensemble's seamless, synchronised movement and interaction create powerful collective imagery, embodying the company's strength. Multilayered soundscapes and innovative lighting are integral to their storytelling, crafting atmosphere, guiding focus, and amplifying emotional states. While language is present, often in multiple tongues, it serves primarily as an emotional vehicle rather than the sole mode of communication, with visual language, gesture, and movement taking precedence. Furthermore, visually exciting and multifunctional staging ensures that sets and props are transformative, contributing to the dynamic and surprising nature of their performances, all while inviting audiences to engage with the work on a personal level, encouraging them to bring their own experiences to complete the narrative.

Gecko has garnered widespread acclaim for productions such as "Missing," a long-running piece exploring memory and identity, and "Institute," a captivating exploration of care and human connection. Their latest work, "Kin," commissioned by the National Theatre, draws inspiration from Lahav's own family's migration story, delving into themes of racism, family, and belonging. Beyond their captivating stage performances, Gecko's influence extends into educational realms; they are a prescribed practitioner on various drama and theatre syllabi. Their "Creative Engagement" program further offers residencies and workshops, inviting aspiring artists and the public to immerse themselves in Gecko's distinctive methods of devising and physical expression. The company continues to tour extensively, cultivating strong international partnerships and consistently pushing the boundaries of theatrical conventions with their innovative and profoundly human work.

Lucia Chocarro

Lucia is a contemporary dance & physical theatre artist with vast experience in performance, facilitation, collaborative devising & making. She has performed for various dance makers and companies, such as Akram Khan Company, Punchdrunk, Gecko Theatre, Dickson Mbi and Maxine Doyle. Film credits include Wonder Woman, Justice League, and Paddington in Peru. Lucia is currently supporting directors and choreographers in their creative processes with assisting, rehearsal directing and dramaturgy as well as leading her own choreographic work and pedagogy methods through workshops & intensives. She is also a co-founder of Feet off the Ground, an all-female self-producing collective which creates outdoor work and deliver various educational and participation projects. 

Katie Lusby

Katie trained at London Studio Centre and London Contemporary Dance School. She has worked with Richard Alston Dance Company, the Van Huynh Company and New Adventures (Swan Lake tour and film). Katie performed in David McVicar’s Aida at the Royal Opera House and later remounted the choreography (by Fin Walker) at Den Norske Opera & Ballett in Oslo. Katie has also worked with choreographers such as Aletta Collins, James Cousins, Sarah Dowling, Akram Khan (Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games), Liam Steele and Didy Veldman. She joined Gecko  in 2015 for The Time of Your Life (BBC4).