Julia James-Griffiths is taking The Box, a show exploring the impact depression can have, to seven venues across Scotland. She will also be hosting free Mind to Move workshops at each venue, open to anyone with experience of mental health issues. Viola, a new solo aerial piece by Charlotte McKechnie, is also on tour this autumn following a sold-out premiere at Aerial Edge during the festival earlier this year.
The Box
1 in 4 of us live in The Box at some point. What are we going to do about it?
The Box is dance theatre piece which explores the impact depression can have, and how our society responds to it. A beautiful combination of exquisite choreography and thought-provoking social commentary, presented with feeling and humour, this is a powerful and inspiring new work. Performed by four talented dancers, The Box offers an innovative and playful way to connect with a sometimes difficult to talk about subject matter.
As a part of the tour, free Mind To Move workshops will be taken to six venues across Scotland this October. The movement workshops are for anyone aged from 18-65+ with experience of mental health issues, with no dance experience necessary. The workshop involves discussion, relaxation exercises, and led movement improvisation, with a focus on exploring and enjoying the benefits of movement and creative expression. Participants are encouraged to take part in whatever way they feel comfortable.
All workshops end with a short excerpt sharing of The Box and an opportunity for participants to give feedback. Anyone who attends a workshop will be eligible to receive a discounted ticket to see the performance of The Box, which will take place the following day.
Tour Dates
Friday 27-Saturday 28 September, 7.30pm, Assembly Roxy, Edinburgh
Tuesday 8 October, 7.30pm, Beacon Arts Centre, Greenock
Saturday 12 October, 7.30pm, Paisley Arts Centre, Paisley
Friday 18 October, 5.30pm, The Lemon Tree, Aberdeen, part of DanceLive
Wednesday 23 October, 7.30pm, The Space, Dundee
Friday 25 October, 7.30pm, The Byre, St Andrews
Friday 1 November, 7.30pm, Eden Court, Inverness
Booking information for all performances can be found here. Read Rosalind Roux’s account of an in-development performance of The Box, produced as part of the Talking Heads project at SMHAF 2016, here.
Viola
Viola is a brand new aerial theatre performance using aerial and acrobatic movement to investigate the psychological journey through gender identity, anxiety and isolation. Reimagining Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night through the eyes of Viola, this performance blends contemporary circus, dance and theatre with original live music and engaging multimedia to draw parallels between psychological phenomena and creative expression.
Created by director and writer Charlotte McKechnie and choreographer and aerialist Adam Wright, Viola represents a radical, dark reimagining of Shakespeare’s most beloved comedy, using breathtaking physicality and transfixing soundscape.
Tour Dates
Wednesday 9 October, 7.30pm, Mac Arts, Galashiels
Thursday 10 October, 7pm, Platform, Glasgow
Friday 11 October, 7.30pm, Assembly Roxy, Edinburgh
Booking information for all performances can be found here. Read Louise Farqhuar’s interview with Charlotte produced during SMHAF 2019 as part of the Talking Heads project here.