Holy Smoke (2015)
A gang of hyper-present beings occupy a mystic underworld, seeking answers to life’s big existential questions. Wrapped up in a cosmic sonic blanket, these weirdos go pro in this trip into the unknown. The performance space becomes an alternative reality with dark energies, roaming spirits, occult rituals and loads of smoke.
Holy Smoke is based on investigations into healing and personal-transformative practices using movement and sound. The piece explores the parallel qualities between a guided shamanic journey (a visionary journey into the spirit world in which the participant would seek answers to personal questions) and the experience of live performance. Holy Smoke takes shape as a choreographed healing process, and includes deconstructed messages of love and kindness, dreamy spells cast backwards and a pop song - sung in reverse.
Credits
Choreography/Concept: Louise Ahl
Originally created and performed by: Divina Kniest, Fritz Welch, Jer Reid, Rachel Gammon and Ultimate Dancer
Sculptures/Set: Fritz Welch
Sound: Jer Reid
Photography: Julia Bauer
Co-produced by Tramway and developed in partnership with: The Work Room, Beacon Arts Centre, CCA Glasgow and Theaterhaus Berlin Mitte. Supported by the National Lottery through Creative Scotland.
Performances
15th - 16th May 2015 at Tramway as part of Dance International Glasgow
16th September – 5th November 2016 touring to Norwich Arts Centre, Trinity Centre Bristol, BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art and Southbank Centre London
Press
Interview about Holy Smoke in This Week London
Video documentation available upon request.