Douglas is at work with a number of simple objects that might be found in any theatre space. Connections are discovered as the materials’ physical potentials are explored with weight and gravity. An ecology of sorts is revealed through the inter-connectedness of body and staging elements. At times light and very delicate and at times heavy and dramatic, an alchemy of circumstances permits a situation where neither performer and audience can be certain of the outcome of actions as they unfold. The work holds many surprises, often defined by the objects themselves.
As research and performance, this work pursues an extended potential for choreography, specifically through involving inanimate materials that might take on some agency or control of a situation, rather than remaining dead objects manipulated by human subject. Subject and object identities might be tested and become more fluid.
Douglas stems from physical actions imagined by Robbie Synge while working on various daily tasks at home in rural Scottish Highlands. The work was developed throughout 2014, outdoors and in Evanton Village Hall.
Robbie Synge
Robbie Synge is a choreographer, performer and works regularly in education with young people and adults.
Robbie originally studied BSc (Hons) Physiology at Edinburgh University before working in the science, health and education sectors in the UK and abroad. Robbie practiced martial arts for many years before performing with various companies and independent choreographers in the UK.
Robbie was a semi-finalist in The Place Prize for Contemporary Dance 2012 sponsored by Bloomberg with Settlement, his first work for the theatre stage.
Robbie’s core interests lie in testing the potentials of a choreographic practice in research and outcomes. His work often investigates bodies or materials in relation to architectural or natural environments, and the relevance of specific sites of development. Current projects involve collaborations with craft and visual artists and experiments with writing and illustration in attempts to find new ways of encountering or participating in choreographic activity. Robbie is an associate artist with Tramway, Glasgow in 2016-17.
