The Past is a Foreign Country
by The Artifactdance, physical-theatre-and-circus
History repeats itself. A double bill.
about the production
"Somewhere North of Here" looks at Brexit and cycles of political behaviour throughout history, how a Northerner once ran North and is now noticing others running behind her. It tracks a history that keeps repeating itself, asking why, when the world around us takes a dramatic turn, do we always run North? "Lies My Parents Told Me" investigates the generation gaps that grow wider everyday; how the words our parents used to keep us safe are no longer relevant in today’s world. This piece discusses the issues raised in "Somewhere North of Here" at a more personal level.
about the artist
The Artifact creates choreographic work that aims to tell stories that have been untold or mis-told throughout history whilst producing improvisation events that combine dance with other art forms including spoken word and live coding. The Artifact also deliver sensitive and enjoyable workshops across the UK with a diverse set of participants from undergraduate students to women recovering from violence.
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stage dimensions
width: 7 metres
height: 0 metres
depth: 8 metres
Capacity: 60 (chairs should be provided).
Both performances are solos. There is a 15-
minute change over period between the
performances, during which the audience
will need to leave the space. "Somewhere
North of Here" is performed to a particular
configuration of seats, based on the idea of
the compass. "Lies My
Parents Told Me" is performed in the round.
Get-in will take place on the day, and
technical plans will be sent to each venue in
advance of the show. The performance is
designed for black box theatre spaces,
museums and galleries, but can be adapted
for most indoor spaces.
Ages 12+ (both performances contain strong language and political content). The performer interacts with the audience during the performance.
"It was truly captivating."
Not suitable for audiences with visual impairments. Would be open to working with a BSL interpreter for hearing impaired audiences. Fully wheelchair accessible.
“The Remix” is a dance education programme that runs alongside "The Past is a Foreign Country." Adaptable for dance students, community groups and those with additional support needs, Gemma gives participants the opportunity to create their own “remixed” version of either performance.
Through a series of word-based tasks, participants develop their own spoken word on the themes explored in the work, and they then learn techniques for how to perform it. Through improvisatory activities, students then develop their own choreography, with Gemma’s guidance. Workshops last 1 full day.
Further information is available from the company.
£600 for one performance of the double bill (inc. VAT). This includes one "remix" workshop.
