SQUEEZE BOX – An original work by a collaboration of South west artists and performers
In a system that requires us to fit into boxes, what space is left for human
A participatory blend combines live performance, soundscape and projection about the
disabled experience. Audiences are invited into an intimate space to bear witness to Hugh’s
exploration of how his lived experience of disability is distorted beyond recognition when
seen from the perspective of our dehumanising systems of assessment.
This unique event brings together radical tech, lo-fi instruments and the voice of the artist, to
create space for audiences to play, engage and reflect on what it might feel like to exist in
the unrelenting Orwellian and Kafkaesque ‘Squeezebox’ of disability, where identity,
self-worth and spirit must be left behind.
Both performance dates will have BSL and audio description integration
Hosted in Exeter’s MakeTank on the 6th and 7th October from 12 midday- 9pm, Squeeze
Box demands a response from all in the room. Audiences are free to come and go, and to
choose what position they take – whether that’s in the middle of the mosh pit of creative
expression – directly influencing the outcome, or on the sidelines, looking in.
The durational nature allows for a flow between deep conversation, relaxed states of being
together and a more structured performance moment. The question is: can performers and
audiences alike navigate these tribulations with empathy and mutual support to initiate
destabilisation of these oppressive systems?
While Squeeze Box deals with difficult subjects, which may lend themselves to spontaneous responses of honest raw emotion from audiences and artists, we endeavour to provide an accessible and relaxed space. If you have any questions or concerns on tickets, access, or themes of the performance please get in touch with Shelley on monkos05@gmail.com
For more information about the work including access, please click here
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ABOUT THE ARTISTS
Hugh Malyon is a disabled performer transcending toxic narratives of disability, showcasing impairment through beauty, care, empathy, voice amplification, process and protest.
Steve Sowden co-creates narrative through soundscapes and a live score in the space,
using a mix of sampled, looped, pre-recorded, improv and instrumental sounds.
Tim Dollimore is a Creative Technologist crafting stage works & experiences, bringing a
deep understanding of performance technology to bear in productions of all sizes.
More About the Lead Artist
Hugh Malyon – Southwest based disabled artist, interested in connecting & engaging with space & audiences through autobiographical, experimental play & shared narratives; “spanning multi-disciplinary performance/hybrid digital creation, I find meaningful connections & relationships through theory & practice, practically engaging critical thinking & emotion. Utilising commonality & reflection, I disrupt toxic narratives & prejudices of disability & society. My practice speaks louder than words – to listen to more than just words… Hugh co-wrote & performed ACE-funded You, Me & My voice, touring the work to regional theatres & community spaces.
He co-devised the Suspension Diptych (Northcott Theatre/Turner Contemporary commission): these works cut across political discourse, directly speaking to audiences over virtual noise, to amplify disabled, diverse and left-behind voices in the urgent context of a pandemic. More recently, he, together with long time collaborator, Steve Sowden, showcased digital work at Philadelphia fringe, exploring disability, their local community and a culture crying out for a new identity.
Much of Hugh’s work feeds Squeeze Box, combining live sound/projection creation & performance – a lens to truly understand how within systems which requires us to fit into boxes, what space is left for humanity? 2022, Hugh joined Another Route fellowship to expand understanding of shared generosity, community & collaboration across borders; smashing barriers in his wake.
For further information and show reel on Hugh’s journey though Performance & Dialogue, please visit https://hughmalyon.live/
AUDIENCE FEEDBACK
★ ‘Love how open it is to interpretation. As an audience we are always thinking’
★ ‘Something about the space… I just wanted to play and get involved’
★ ‘Really thought provoking. Incredible work’
Performance Schedule
● 12 midday: sound, projection and performance begins, exploring care and empathy
● 5pm: pre-performance settling in period to acclimatise to/get comfy in the space
● 6pm: the energy will start building towards…
● 6.30pm: the initiation of Squeeze Box
● 7.30pm: opportunity to discuss themes and offer feedback
● 9pm: Squeeze Box closes
Dramaturgical support by: Sam Parker and Jennifer Noice
Produced by: Shelley Hodgson
Artistic Support and Access Consultant by: Clair Sargeant
…with support from Quarantine and Filament
SouthWest Theatre with respect to photographs