Epic Encounters. Pic: Alena Kurajdova

Talented dancers and theatre performers from Cambodia are dropping off in Lichfield on their UK tour.

Epic Encounters are a group of hearing-impaired, physically disabled and non-disabled performers – the first and only fully inclusive dance company in South East Asia.

The couple responsible for bringing them to the city, Anthony and Laura Evans, have been working in Cambodia for over a year.

Epic Encounters. Pic: Alena Kurajdova
Epic Encounters. Pic: Alena Kurajdova

Both are involved with Lichfield Mysteries – in 2012 Anthony was music director and Laura the choreographer.

The performance in Lichfield on November 30 has been arranged by the Mysteries.

The Epic team will be performing two pieces from their repertoire:

  • Come Back Brighter is a performance about the effect of the Khmer Rouge Regime on the artists of Cambodia and the current explosion of creativity sweeping the country.
  • Samatapheab is a performance piece that explores disability in Cambodia and celebrates the ability of all people regardless of their physicality.

There will also be a presentation, Every Person Counts – Inclusive Arts at Epic Arts Cambodia – by Laura , who is a senior manager for Epic Arts and artistic director for Epic Encounters.

The organisation counts comedian Miranda Hart among its supporters. She said: “I have known Epic Arts since its conception and I continue to admire and support its commitment to those with disabilities.

“When I worked for them it was impossible not to be inspired by the passion and skill in using creative arts to transform lives, promote integration and create community.”

The performance in Lichfield on November 30 is at Wade Street Church Hall, Frog Lane, at 7pm. Tickets are £5 from the Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum on Breadmarket Street. Alternatively they can be booked by calling 01543 258512 or emailing [email protected].