BLACK ROCK

BLACK ROCK is a practice-led research project run by Dr David Shearing. The central research question for the piece is: how can the experience of mountaineering be translated to an audience on the ground? 

BLACK ROCK is a digital performance that explores the extraordinary desire of humans to move through mountains, to scale vertical walls and to seek new physical heights.

The project climbs from two of Johnny Dawes’ first ascents in Snowdonia, to wider concepts of risk, vertigo, adventure, partnership and the physical boundaries between body and rock. BLACK ROCK traces the meanings of mountains, a narrative, collaged and momentary. These spaces are both a home and a void, a cradle for inspiration, and a corridor to death. They are blurred by mist but sharp in our fingers. Directed and designed by multi award-winning artist David Shearing, this unique multimedia environment presents a newly commissioned sound score by artist and composer James Bulley with choreography by Carlos Pons Guerra, poetic text by Claire Carter and digital technology by Invisible Flock.

THE MOUNTAINS ARE BREATHING….

Direction & Design: David Shearing
Text: Claire Carter
Composition: James Bulley
Choreography: Carlos Pons Guerra
Digital Consultants: Invisible Flock
Dramaturge: Jonathan Pitches
Project Mentor: Louise Ann Wilson
Project Advisor: Henry Iddon 
Climbing Mentor: Johnny Dawes 
Performers: Ariadna Saltó Mestre, Marivi Da Silva
Technical Manager: Christopher Megginson 
Design Assistant: Jonny Dowsett

Supported and funded by University of Leeds, Arts Council England and co-commissioned by Kendal Mountain Festival.

Image: Genny Bove

Friday 10 & Saturday 11 November 2017 
stage@leeds, University of Leeds.
BOOK HERE