in the blood looked at the concept of embodied histories within the context of family, and the most important of personal celebratory events: the birthday

The work drew on the memories and life experiences of the performers, their family histories and birthday stories. It also drew on the stories of the parents of the performers with a disability: their bittersweet memories surrounding the birth and childhood of their family member.

Birthdays, like many family celebrations, are times of joy and tension, rebellion and intimacy… old wounds flare up, painful memories surface.

in the blood was performed at the Queen’s Theatre, Adelaide in May 2002 as part of the High Beam Arts and Disability Festival. The production featured the use of an Oral Historian (local writer Elizabeth Mansutti) who conducted interviews with the dancers and their parents. These interviews enriched the devising process.

The piece moves effortlessly between group sequences, partnering and solos. The performers seem deeply engaged in the pleasure and process of moving… There is something in this work about reclaiming the desire to be playful and special. There is something also about pleasure and defiance in the struggle against interference and control by others.

Anne Thompson
RealTime, Aug/Sept 2002

Director:
Ingrid Voorendt

Designer:
Gaelle Mellis

Lighting Designer:
Geoff Cobham

Music Composer
& Performer:
Bergerac