104699/Z/14/Z: Hardy Animal

Project Summary:This application is to fund the final creation phase of a new dance/theatre solo Hardy Animal, and the publishing of an accompanying book, to be created by myself, in collaboration with a carefully selected team of scientific, creative and producing advisors, all leaders in their field. Using the scientific research I undertake, I will create a performance that layers the poetic and the scientific, and that is both moving and informative. It will expose some of the processes at work behind ch ronic pain -especially within the central nervous system- and draw attention to a heath problem of huge significance that is still shrouded in mystery. Drawn from personal experiences, Hardy Animal will be a high quality, ambitious, tender solo about chronic pain and human resilience: a goodbye letter to a former self and an ode to dance. It will be an elegantly crafted and deeply moving piece that interweaves text and movement to embody this field of biomedical research. It will exist at the intersection of live art, dance, theatre and science. The accompanying book will be carefully designed work of art in its own right. It will include the script and additional materials of both scientific and creative nature. Marketing materials, including short promo videos will be created and distributed. Hardy Animal will then premiere at Forest Fringe (Edinburgh Festival) in August with a run (5 performances), at which point the accompanying book will be launched.

Grant Holder:Ms Laura Dannequin

Organisation:Miscellaneous English Provinces

Financial Year:2013/2014