SILT
SILT is a climate responsive, site-specific performance created for a tidal pool on the Essex coast, commissioned as a key piece for Estuary 2021.
Date
2021
Location
Shoeburyness, Essex
SILT is an outdoor, climate responsive performance created for a tidal pool on the Essex coast and performed live in the water by a group of 20+ community performers. Drawing on the challenge of rising sea levels, SILT re-imagines how humans might evolve beyond an impending climate disaster with a community of people who dwell in water.
Commissioned by Metal for Estuary 2021 and supported by Arts Council England and the DCMS via Creative Estuary and Estuary 2021.
Read more about the creative process here: Run Riot interview with Helen and Dimitri
Participants said
This was one of the best things I have done in years. I loved the generosity of the creators and the community spirit that evolved.
This experience has helped my confidence to soar, given me faith in my body’s ability to move and be strong.
If a group of total strangers comes together and is guided with such kindness, openness and generosity, something truly amazing can happen. SILT has reminded me of community in its purest form.
I learnt about how collaborative performance art is made. I learnt about soundscapes, about tidal pools, silt, the ocean and the estuary. I learnt that age means nothing.
SILT has helped me reconnect with creative parts of me that have been dormant for a while and it has also given me the motivation and confidence to be more proactive and dynamic with what I want to do next in life.
Helen and Dimitri said:
We found a creative release in making work in which the body and the landscape are an innate part of our devising and rehearsal process. Our global sense of threat and uncertainty built by the pandemic and extreme weather – gave us an even stronger need to create work with community performers in a generous and expansive way. Creating the physicality with the participants has been a joy and a privilege – to work with bodies of different ages, shapes, strengths and experiences – this process has mirrored a hope in the resilience and adaptability of humans.
Concept & Direction: Helen Galliano and Dimitri Launder
Choreography: Becky Namgauds
Soundscape: Lee Berwick
Community Performers: Adele Prince, Amy Anderson, Ana Martins, Ann Bonimeade, Barbara Williams, Bradley Morris, Caroline Bennett, Chloe Collings, Daniel Kramb, Denisa Armaselu, Ellen Longworth, Janet Phillips, Laura Simmons, Lorraine Rennie, Manuela Mckay, Michael Upton, Michelle Mansfield, Rachel Chilton, Sophie Lazar and Yuki Bevis.
Vocal Composition: Cleo Lane
Videography: Andy Delaney
Photos by Nina Photography
Thanks to: Colette Bailey, Michaela Freeman, Tonks Blom, Freddie Opoku-Addaie, Bart Cameron, Elias Brewin, Iain Keenan and Redcaps SLSC and Vic Lentaigne.
