Is this a Waste Land?

A performance through headphones for disused urban spaces.

This immersive performance invites us to re-imagine how we value our landscape, homes and communities.

As day dips towards night you’re given headphones and offered instructions amidst a constantly shifting soundscape that is delicate and thoughtful one moment, infectious and playful the next. Many worlds are created, destroyed and re-purposed in a generous playground built by everyone.

Running Time: 1hr 20mins
Age Recommendation: 8+

Photo: Pari Naderi; Dancer: Louise Tanoto

CREDITS:

Concept and Direction: Charlotte Spencer
Composition and Sound design: James Keane and Tom Spencer
Text: Charlotte Spencer
Narration: Louise Tanoto and Ben Ash
Performers: Kirsty Arnold, Ben Ash, Ben McEwen, Thomas McKeon, Petra Söör, Louise Tanoto
Dramaturgical advisors: Jennifer-Lynn Crawford and Ruth Little
Design and Fabrication: Gian Paolo Cottino
Photography: Pari Naderi and Beth Chalmers
Creative Producer: Keren Kossow
Production Manager: Samantha Bennellick-Jones
Project Manager: Emily Jenkins
Other artists involved in research periods: Kip Johnson, Neil Callaghan.

PARTNERS:

Co-commissioned by Deep Roots Tall Trees, Compass Commission from The Greenwich Dance and Trinity Laban Partnership, Patrons of Charlotte Spencer Projects and a crowdfund campaign. Is this a Waste Land? was funded using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England. Further funding from South East Dance, Greenwich Dance and Pavilion Dance South West. The work was also supported via South East Dance and Jerwood Charitable Foundation Dramaturg in Residence programme.

It was first presented in 2017 in Corby, Glasgow as part of Dance International Glasgow programmed by Tramway and London as part of Dance Umbrella.

Re-staged performances in September 2021 took place in London and Scotland in partnership with Sadler’s Wells and Dance North Scotland.

Press and audience quotes

"devastatingly effective... Once again, the uniqueness of Spencer’s vision creates an unforgettable event."

The Guardian ★★★★
"I came here full of reservations and I'm leaving so pleasantly surprised. I've been suffering from anxiety all week and this show has been a wonderful tonic, playful breath of fresh air. Thank you"

Audience member
"An achingly, overwhelmingly beautiful experience. To be doing something together, after such a long time of apartness, and to feel my individual part within that wider endeavour was powerful. I am leaving shifted. A little more part of the whole"

Audience member