Dance
Where We Choose to Stand
Tramway, Glasgow
Here, in the dark confines of Tramway 4, we could almost be in an underground bunker. Peeking out at the huge golden sun hanging upstage. Watching when it subsequently glows a fiery red as choreographer/performer Penny Chivas asks us where we choose to stand on issues of climate activism and public protests.
She’s already introduced the idea of shifting perspectives by taking up a dramatic stance, holding it, then repeating it at different points on the stage. Where she stands - and where we sit - means we get a different perspective each time: her point about choice and viewpoint is visibly made.
Some of the audience have already chosen to join Chivas on-stage. They’re seated on bits of cardboard, an image that has echoes of rough sleeping. Eventually the cardboard sections will carry personal messages about what matters to these individuals. Future placards for protest marches to come?
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Gently orchestrating all this is Chivas herself. There’s never any pressure to participate - to speak out or hold the mobile phone that will play pre-recorded interviews by unseen contributors. We hear accounts of what being a climate activist entails, of being part of a public protest - and of how the police handled this confrontation.
These scenarios unfold with a degree of reasonable calm - unlike TV news reports of clashes between opposing sides. Instead, as Chivas encourages us to have conversations with one another and exchange ideas, there is a mood of unity in the room. And yes, you do wonder how Chivas would respond if there was an outburst of aggressive impatience from some-one in the audience… Goodwill prevails, however.
Music weaves in and out of the spoken word, folk join in with their own opinions, before holding hands as the closing song says “ Let us stand together as we face the coming storm”. A feelgood moment - you can choose if it works for you or not.
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