Pia Camil: Bara Bara Bara
Tuesdays - Fridays 12 - 5pm
Saturdays & Sundays 12 - 6pm
CLOSED Mondays
Tramway presents the first solo exhibition in Scotland by Mexico City-based artist Pia Camil. This immersive installation hosts new and existing textile sculptures which visitors are invited to inhabit and activate.
Drawing inspiration from urban forms and mechanisms of exchange, in particular her relationship to Mexico City where she lives and works, Camil’s immense sculptural installations are comprised of t-shirts and jeans acquired from the street markets of Iztapalapa in Mexico City. Camil deconstructs the t-shirts and then sews them together, creating large stretches of fabric reflecting the markets which are housed under patchwork awnings of stretched tarpaulin. The billowing, suspended installation Bara, Bara, Bara draws its name from the pulsating cry of street vendors in Mexico City. Shortened from barato (cheap), the exclamation is aimed to draw customers attention to a wide variety of low-cost goods on sale.
The T-shirts and jeans which comprise the works on display were originally produced in Latin America, sold to retailers and organisations in the United States, and then illicitly found their way back to the bargain markets of Mexico City. By utilising them in her work Camil brings attention to contemporary trade routes through which commodities and bodies move, and the inequities of global commerce that define daily life in Mexico City.
Creating a patchwork of slogans, aspirational, commercial and political, the T-shirts also act as repositories of cultural information forming a snapshot of collective consciousness. Collaged together the diverse and polarized statements and imagery people choose to emblazon on their bodies offers a telling reflection of the social and political allegiances and binaries that define our contemporary moment.
The installation Bara, Bara, Bara is a participatory artwork and visitors can walk beneath it and poke their heads through the openings of the T-shirts, a nod to previous iterations of the works, many of which have formed part of the artist’s large scale public performances. Resonating within a rich history of radical Latin American women artists, Camil’s Bara, Bara, Bara formally draws inspiration from Brazilian artist Lygia Pape’s seminal 1968 performance Divisor. In Pape’s work participants walked through the city connected by an enormous piece of white fabric, defying the then Brazilian military dictatorship’s infamous Institutional Act 5, which banned public protest and gatherings. Camil’s work similarly illustrates the tension between the identity of the individual versus that of the collective.
The exhibition also includes a new commission of discarded jeans sewn together, creating intimate and informal seating areas within the gallery. These works create a form of exchange with the viewer, their own bodies becoming an integral part of the work.
The Theatre of Robert Anton
Tuesdays - Fridays 12 - 5pm
Saturdays and Sundays 12 - 6pm
CLOSED Mondays
An exhibition of the extraordinary miniature mannequins, props and drawings of Robert Anton (1949 - 1984), an artist from the avant garde theatre scene of '70s New York. It marks the first time this incredible collection of Anton’s work has been seen in the UK.
An alchemist of the mundane, through his theatre Anton transformed the debris of New York City, that which was considered abject — be it object, human, or animal — into an alternative world beyond judgment and limits, with simultaneously devastating and marvellous outcomes.
Moving to New York from his Texas home in 1970 Anton quickly achieved cult status. His plays fascinated audiences in the US and Europe alike, yet his theatre remained one of the city’s best-kept secrets. He allowed a maximum of 18 people to see his plays and he vehemently refused any documentation of the performances. He called his figurines ‘actors’, meticulously sculpted heads, no larger than a thumb, with shockingly vivid features constantly changing character, gender, and identity in rituals of animism and alchemy, from beast to human to sculptural material and back.
Tramway plays host to the core of his theatre — over 40 ‘actors’, intriguing miniature props and a suite of exceptional drawings and sketches giving a further insight into this artist’s genuine imagination. Works that survived after Anton’s sudden tragic passing in 1984 in the impending AIDS crisis, leaving behind this oeuvre, so intense yet spanning just over a decade.
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This exhibition is curated by Anke Kempkes in collaboration with Tramway
21Common: In The Interests of Health and Safety Can Patrons Kindly Supervise Their Children At All Times
A Tramway Co-commission as Part of Take Me Somewhere
'The modern idea of ‘snowplough’ parenting, where adults remove all obstacles from their child’s path to ensure constant success was not something we experienced as youngsters. Indeed, the parental phrase of ‘Get out of my sight’ was commonplace. We hope this work will make the audience think about that and see with clarity how we as adults are potentially damaging kids’ future responses to reality.’
This performance is a place where children’s lives are unbounded by constant adult surveillance and all dominant generational power relations are destroyed. Do you dare to join us in our new world order?
'In the Interest of...' is a deranged disco, showboating the consequences of society’s reluctance to let their children take risks. Featuring some very special dancers and some very loud music, be prepared to come on in and raise merry hell. Are we living the dream or embodying the nightmare?
Recommended for ages 14+
ACCESS: BSL Interpreted by Iain Hodgetts (both dates) / Hearing Loop
Supported by Creative Scotland
21Common is an arts and social action organisation, dedicated to using radical arts practice for the benefit of personal and social change, led by Lucy Gaizely, Gary Gardiner, Ian Johnston and Louise Irwin.
Praise for The Ballad of the Apathetic Son and his Narcissistic Mother:
“raw and visceral and honest” (Fringe Review)
**** “full of tentative, graceful optimism.” (The Guardian)
**** “heart-stopping moments of pure beauty” (The Scotsman)
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Take Me Somewhere is Scotland's newest festival of contemporary performance. Now in its third year, the programme runs from 11 May - 2 June.
Nora Chipaumire: 100%POP
A Tramway Co-commission as Part of Take Me Somewhere
An Afro-futuristic soundclash of dance and music, inspired by Grace Jones’ ‘One Man Show’, 100%POP reckons with the production and consumption of the pop sound and pop imagery in the hyper-reality of global capitalism.
Pop can be read as the art of the ordinary, the art most accessible to the people. People, as those ordinary working masses, who don’t necessarily frequent museums and galleries. In 100% POP, Nora Chipaumire returns to the ways information and knowledge was acquired by those of us who grew up in less free times - the time of African broadcast stations, colour bars, Drum magazine, poverty, and active connections to rural and township lifestyles. Inspired by Grace Jones as perhaps the first superstar who was black, female and unapologetic about her presence, 100&POP references her famous One Man Show and the idea of a ‘cover’ soundclashing elements of Jones’ music with Zimbabwe’s Chimurenga music, dub and noise.
Recommended for ages 12+
ACCESS: Subpacs / BSL Interpreted (Ali Gordon)
Performed by Nora Chipaumire | Shamar Watt | Atiyyah Khan | Philip White
Sound Concept | Text | Lyrics: Nora Chipaumire
Vinyl DJ: Atiyyah Khan
Digital DJ: Shamar Watt
Sound Design: Philip White
Technical Direction | Lighting: Sean Seago
Set Design: Ari Marcopoulos | Kara Walker | Matt Jackson Studio
Light Design | Costume Concept: nora chipaumire
#PUNK 100%POP *N!GGA was co-produced by The Kitchen, Crossing the Line Festival and Quick Center for the Arts at Fairfield University. Additional support for the trilogy has been provided by the Guggenheim Foundation, Institute for Creative Arts at the University of Cape Town, Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation and American Dance Abroad.
#PUNK 100%POP *N!GGA was developed through residencies provided by Lincoln Center Atrium Series, Gibney's Dance in Process program with support from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation in partnership with JACK, Stephen Petronio Residency Center, Bates Dance Festival, University of Richmond Theater and Dance Department, Operaestate Festival - Bassano del Grappa, Brooklyn Academy of Music, Miami Light Project and Sarah Lawrence College.
Take Me Somewhere is Scotland's newest festival of contemporary performance. Now in its third year, the programme runs from 11 May - 2 June.
Image: Antoine Tempé
Kid_X Workshop: Eva Lazarus Song-Writing and Singing
*PLEASE NOTE* this session is now FULLY BOOKED
FREE workshop for ages 14+
Limited capacity
Love singing and writing music? Then this is for you.
In this session, you have a unique chance to learn from an industry professional, as Eva Lazarus coaches you in singing,
song-writing and performance.
Eva (MC/Composer/Lead Performer) is a prolific guest
vocalist whose musical flavour spans across genres including Reggae, Jungle,
Hip Hop, Soul and Drum n’ Bass, currently being championed on BBC Radio 1 and
1Xtra. She recently undertook tours of the UK, Europe and Australia and is
about to release her first solo album. Bristol-based Eva Lazarus is the vocal talent and central character in our upcoming show, Kid_X.
'She has the ability to flow from rap into singing and back again flawlessly, relying on her huge range of vocal talent.' - Nilla Reviews
This workshop is connected to the performances of ‘KID’ X by
Bassline Circus and MHz in association with Feral taking place on Fri 31st
May and Sat 1st June as part of Take Me Somewhere Festival at
Tramway.
Kid_X Workshop: Freestyle dance with ANDROIDX
*PLEASE NOTE* this session is now FULLY BOOKED
FREE workshop for ages 12+
Limited capacity
Freestyle dance artist ANDROIDX will lead an introduction to street dance K.R.U.M.P, a highly expressive, exaggerated and energetic dance style originating from youths in south central Los Angeles.
They saw the dance style as a way for them to escape gang life and release anger, aggression and frustration positively, in a non-violent way. There are four primary moves in K.R.U.M.P; jabs, arm swings, chest pops and stomps. K.R.U.M.P is rarely choreographed, it is almost entirely freestyle (improvised) and danced to upbeat and fast paced music in battles or sessions rather than on stage.
This workshop is connected to the performances of ‘KID_X' by
Bassline Circus and MHz in association with Feral, taking place on Fri 31st
May and Sat 1st June as part of Take Me Somewhere Festival at
Tramway.
About ANDROIDX
Malick Bright, known as 'ANDROIDX' is a freestyle dance artist originally trained in contemporary, ballet and ballroom. After discovering London's Trocadero Underground jam spot he honed his technique and now specialises in Krump, Afro and Flexing, regularly busking and competing in street-dance battles in London and Paris. He has choreographed and performed live and in music videos with Lady Leshurr, FKA Twigs, Fergie, M.i.A. and Tinie Tempah.
Simone Kenyon: Into the Mountain
*OFF-SITE PERFORMANCE*
A Tramway Co-commission as Part of Take Me Somewhere
On Sunday 2 June there will be a bus running from Tramway to the off-site location in The Cairngorms (Tickets £5, limited places)
Into The Mountain is a new place sensitive performance project by artist and choreographer Simone Kenyon. As part of Take Me Somewhere we are taking a limited number of people in a bus from Tramway to Glenfeshie to experience the performance in the Cairngorms.
Inspired and informed by the lyrical and embodied prose of Nan Shepherd’s 1974 book, The Living Mountain, the project explores and celebrates women’s relationships with high and wild places (this includes cis women, trans women and intersex women).
It culminates in this site specific performance journey presented within the Cairngorm mountain range for a live audience.
Through working directly within the unique environment of the Cairngorms plateau and with women living within the communities of the National Park, Into The Mountain celebrates women’s encounters with mountainous environments, addressing both historical and current perspectives of gender and access in relationship to the Scottish landscape.
All aspects of the project are informed, created and delivered by women.
ACCESS
This is an off-site performance taking place in a mountainous environment and hill walking is an integral part of the performance. It is not wheelchair or pram accessible.
It is open to audiences 18+
If you have any suggestions, questions or requirements relating to access for this performance please get in touch via info@intothemountain.co.uk and we will make every effort to support you to attend.
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Produced and commissioned by SSW and co-commissioned by CNPA, City Moves, Dance North and Tramway. The project is also supported by Mountainering Scotland, Aberdeenshire Council and Creative Scotland.
Take Me Somewhere is Scotland's newest festival of contemporary performance. Now in its third year, the programme runs from 11 May - 2 June.
Bassline Circus & MHz with Feral: Kid_X
Friday 31 May, 7.30pm
Saturday 1 June, 2.30pm
A Tramway Co-commission as Part of Take Me Somewhere
Charting a futuristic romance between a boy with a bionic heart and a famous rooftop selfie queen, KID_X collides circus and street dance (Flexin, Krump, BoneBreaking) with hypnotic video projections and an original electronic score. Featuring stunning live vocals from singer-songwriter sensation Eva Lazarus, set over bass heavy tracks produced by legendary Scottish sound system Mungo’s Hifi.
Supported by a Tramway Commission & Macrobert Arts Centre, Creative Scotland, PRS Foundation Open Fund, Platform, NoFitState & Arts Council England.
ACCESS: BSL Interpreted by Bea Webster (both dates) / Hearing Loop / Sub-pacs available
Credits
Singer/Songwriter: Eva Lazarus
Music Producer: Mungo Hifi
Dance Artist: Android X
Circus Artist: Amanda Juliet Attwood
Designed /Directed: MHz Scenography
Costume Design: Saehee Simmons
3D Animation: OnceWereFarmers, Beeple + William Chyr
Dramaturg: Gavin Marshall
Choreographic Outside eye: Theo ‘Godson’ Oloyade
Outside Eye: Matt Addicott and Julie Ellen
Produced By: Feral
Jamie Dunn/ MHz Scenography
Take Me Somewhere is Scotland's newest festival of contemporary performance. Now in its third year, the programme runs from 11 May - 2 June.
Kid_X Workshop: Performing with Projections
Please note this event is now fully booked
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FREE workshop for ages 8+
Using the projection setup for our show, Kid_X, workshop participants will learn about the interplay between physical performance and projected imagery using digital tools mixed with traditional shadow- making techniques.
Devised as group games with participants taking turns being on stage (in front or behind the shadow screen) or controlling the image, this taster session will inspire young performers and budding theatre-makers to combine physicality with eye-popping graphics.
Presented by MHz Scenography (Bex Anson and Dav Bernard)
This workshop is connected to the performances of ‘KID_X' by
Bassline Circus and MHz in association with Feral, taking place on Fri 31st
May and Sat 1st June as part of Take Me Somewhere Festival at
Tramway.
Critics Awards for Theatre in Scotland 2019
The glittering ceremony for the Critics' Awards for Theatre in Scotland (CATS) comes to Tramway this year. A highlight of the Scottish theatre calendar, CATS celebrates the actors, directors, playwrights and other theatre artists who have made the most thrilling contributions of the year.
Previous winners range from David Tennant to Blythe Duff, from Blackbird to Black Watch and from Catherine Wheels to the National Theatre of Scotland. Celebrity guest presenters have included Blythe Duff, Karen Dunbar and Clare Grogan.
With a post-show chance to mingle with the winners, CATS 2019 is a must-see event for audiences and theatre-makers alike.