Dramaturgy

‘I think your presence made a big different for Dan, both as a dance dramaturg but also to advocate for him and support him in things like the panel.  It’s the best feeling when we put people together and they gel like you two did.’ - Fiona Ferguson, Imaginate

I have been a supportive ‘outside eye’ for Nikhita Devi, Jude Williams, Dan Brown, Kae Sakurai, Jas Lucas , Nicola Carter, Cha x 5, Marie Gabrielle Koumenda, Kirstin Halliday, Amy Lawrence, Rachael Macintyre, Aby Watson, Sarah Poekert, Pirita Tuisku & Thabo Mokolobate.

I am in a period of research, supported by Creative Scotland’s Open Fund, which you can read about here.

As a dance dramaturge I offer support to artists by tailoring my role to best fit their needs in relation to the creative vision. In order to interrogate and mobilise a new performance work, the main use of this position is to give artists critical feedback from a consistent, supportive and informed outside-eye perspective; whilst advocating for the idea. However, I can also be there to help with more practical elements of the project that involve hosting/holding the space.

Dance dramaturgy is highly valuable but uncommon in the world of contemporary performance. I offer a unique combination of choreographic experience (since my undergrad in 2015), the distinct language of fine art critique (since my postgrad in 2022) and the important skill of hosting (something I have developed through working in community settings, voluntary work with vulnerable people and in queer and activist spaces) where active listening, understanding of positionality and emotional articulation are essential. I offer a holistic and nurturing environment for work that feels most urgent to the maker(s).