How does it feel to be held?
Watch the Stand of the Sun performance film (short edit)
Summer may well and truly be fading here in the UK but here is a Sun-centred short film as a little reminder of those past hot and bright days.
Created by filmmakers North South, this is an abridged 12 minute version of an hour-long performance called Stand of the Sun, which carries us into the sweltering city, asking How does it feel to be held? from the perspective of two different bodies, human and celestial. As the Sun sets overhead, a conversation emerges as the human body begins to open, attune and respond to the solar voice, and the wisdom it holds.
Performed in the midst of a heat wave last summer solstice, Stand of the Sun features music composed by Bumi Thomas, choreography by Antoine Marc and lighting by Rachel Sampley. It was written and directed by yours truly, produced by Joanna Penso, and the full cast and credits can be found here - it was a joy to work with such incredible creatives, I encourage you to check them out!
As ever, I would love to hear your reflections on this offering / ritual.
B
The project was inspired and commissioned by the environmental history research project Melting Metropolis at the University of Liverpool, funded by a Wellcome Discovery Award. It was originally performed at Orleans House Gallery in London as part of the Cultural Reforesting programme.