Ritual Labs #1: The Labours
A study of ritual practice and collective art practice, as a technology to transform consciousness. A series of 12 Astrological rituals, following the ingress of the Sun into each Zodiac sign. Searching for alternatives to the aims, tools and methods of industrial art practice. Exploring the role that sound, movement and symbolic narrative, can have in supporting individual and collective transformation. Research on hypnotic phenomena within music, dance and theatrical practices. Hacking the 12 Labours in the context of 12 signs. Utilising a visual and narrative score, each Labour catalysed a dialogue between musicians, performers and audience to facilitate an immersive performance of embodied myth. Reclaiming creative practice as a return to conscious ritual and collaborative improvised creativity in the present moment. Embodying astronomical magic with sound, movement and symbolic narrative. Gesturing between worlds.
Working closely with choreographer A de la Fe to create 12 participatory dance rituals for audience participation, supported by guest actors and dancers, with musicians performing a live improvised score.
March 2019 - Feb 2020. Unfortunately the second stage of this research was cut short by lockdown..
Photo by Fiona Garden
thank you to all the musicians, sound therapists, actors, performers, movers and dancers who co-created and facilitated the space: Sim Gray, A de la Fe, Martina Saorin, Alice De Ville, Valeria Radchenko, Jack Clark, Lilit Lesser, Callum Murphy, CYAN, Simone Campa, Christian Duka, Rory Keys, Vicky O’Neon, Ben Ashton, Mario Benedetti & Matt Christensen.
Live improvisation with vocals and live electronics. Vocals (mezzo soprano) + flute from Alice de Ville
