They’re not all victims – Production

KSDT would like to embark on a project that explores the psychological and physiological effect of HIV upon the body. Looking particularly at the social stigmas people face when living with HIV in Britain, the company are interested in the creation of a full length dance theatre production highlighting how it effects sufferers at different phases of the disease and how the uninfected members of the audience relate to the condition. We would like the audience to think about what they think about the HIV positive community in Britain.

We believe that the piece will be highly physical and masculine as our initial response was to examine the idea of strength and how this sits within the context of discussing issues surrounding HIV. We think the emotions most commonly associated with sufferers of the disease are shame and guilt.

Using an innovative model of consulting with a medical partner, a HIV specialist partner, an artistic advisor and numerous venue partners, KSDT would like to engage in an extensive research period leading to a London/South East tour from December 2010 – March 2011.

Emily Hazell -Producer

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Feedback from the Arcola Create 09 Festival showing of Cope on 24th July:

Moments that the audience felt were successful in identifying the issue:

‘The point where one and other were on the floor with backs to audience but we could see on the projection what was happening – abuse – which was hidden to the audience. That was great!’

‘Drawing the hand on the body’

‘The use of humiliation in the piece juxtaposed with the loving relationship.’

‘Session of rape with foot. Nappy session. Wine drinking’

‘The piece reiterated and reminded me of the issue, hence why I didn’t enjoy the performance as it is not a particularly happy or comfortable issue!

‘Humiliation was VERY powerful scene – incredibly moving.’

‘Story told of the struggle between …’

General Feedback on the work in progress sharing of cope:

‘Everyone on stage contributed to the intensity of the piece, was uncomfortable viewing but found it reflected on many relationships – not just Domestic Abuse.’

‘It felt voyeristic at times and wallowed without showing the courageousness of people who manage to move on from abuse. Focusing on a problem in a literal way didn’t bring it across quite as profoundly as it could. ‘

‘Very intense performance at times uncomfortable but obvioulsy worth highlighting the issue, though initially wondered what its purpose is beyond the process of making the piece.’

‘The images projected onto the screen, I think it was supposed to be an injured body but it could have been clearer. A bit too abstract.’

‘I would like to see more of the contrast from the joy on dependency as well as the horror.’

‘Overall very moved, sometime uncomfortable so you probably achieved the wanted feel!!’

‘Great dancer, great music, nice use of mixing different mediums.’

‘Loved the live music – really added another eerie layer to the work. Great performers but wanted a bit more clarity about the joker character. Really enjoyed the film work too.’

‘Sound/light production really added a sense of the live drama to the piece.’

Lucia Tong (cope, Greenwich Dance Agency, February 2009) Photographer; Scott Davies.