Cassie, who in 2012 hopes to improve on the 10km open water bronze medal she won at the Beijing Olympics, was among a team of past and present Olympians whose views were used to create Amphibians.
The play is about the challenge of becoming an Olympic athlete. The emotional struggle that lies beneath the surface of the Olympics; intrigues and betrayals; a quest for perfection. The dissatisfaction and disappointments that are the price for every victory are the fabric of this gripping, epic prodution that effortlessly joins site-specific theatre, physical performance and psychological discovery into a fascinating multi media experience.
Cassie, of St Cleer, near Liskeard, who celebrates her 24th birthday on New Year’s Day, said: “I’ve always loved the theatre so the idea of Amphibians combining sport and art immediately made me want to be a part of it.
“I am training so hard to swim for London 2012 it really means a lot to me to have inspired others, especially when the subject of what happens to former athletes is so important. I cannot wait to see the show.”
Underwater footage will be projected on stage as a backdrop at the old swimming pool at London’s Bridewell Theatre.
The story traces the lives of three athletes as they prepare for competition as 14-year-olds, goes through the toll it takes on them, and then focuses on life after the Olympics. Audiences will be seated from the shallow end of the Victorian pool up to the surrounding balcony.
Liz Hughes, founder of London Pools Campaign, said: “In the run-up to the Olympics as we focus on the legacy of the Games, and with so many of London’s pools closed and then neglected, it is the perfect time for art and sport to be brought together in a production questioning what is important in British culture.
“The setting, the atmospheric Bridewell Theatre, which used to be a swimming pool, is perfect.”
Amphibians runs from 4 to 28 January 2011.
Written by Steve Waters, Directed by Cressida Brown, Presented by Offstage
www.offstage.org.uk
Tuesday 4 – Saturday 8 January 2011
Monday 10 – Saturday 15 January 2011
Monday 17 – Saturday 22 January 2011
Monday 24 – Friday 28 January 2011
Performances at 7.30pm
Saturday 8 January 2011
Saturday 15 January 2011
Saturday 22 January 2011
Matinée 2.30pm
Tickets £15.50
Concessions £10.50
Book online or call 020 7922 2922
St Bride Foundation
Bride Lane, Fleet Street
London EC4Y 8EQ