A concept by Michelle Heaven and Ben Cobham presented by Restless Dance Theatre – a groundbreaking project combining performance, research, and advocacy to promote arts in health. Directed by choreographer Michelle Heaven and featuring Restless Dance Theatre, The Lensical reimagines the intersection of live performance and immersive art, creating intimate dance-theatre experiences for audiences in hospitals. Bespoke design by Ben Cobham will transform patient rest areas into intimate sanctuaries for boutique performances that enhance the viewer experience and provide reprieve from the hospital environment. Each uplifting short work will be crafted to emotionally resonate with diverse audiences, celebrate performing arts and support patient health and well-being.
Presentations:
Adelaide Festival Centre’s DreamBIG Children’s Festival 2025, Women’s & Children’s Hospital and Flinders Medical Centre
Concept by Michelle Heaven and Ben Cobham presented and performed by Restless Dance Theatre
Arts in Health Partners Women’s & Children’s Hospital Foundation and Southern Adelaide Local Health Network
Photography Shane Reid
This work is dedicated to the creative visionary, Roz Hervey, whose brilliance continues to inspire boundless possibilities.
“Beautiful, amazing, best part of my day” – Hospital Staff
“That was brilliant…..5 stars” –Patient aged 11
“So good, I could sit here all day, literally! The Cone is so immersive.” – Hospital Staff
“10/10” – Patient aged 11
“Amazing, I’ve never seen anything like this” – Hospital Staff
“All I could feel was a cool breeze on the back of my neck, the sun just peeking through the clouds which provided the most glorious tracing of Abbie’s hands. Her hands appeared to glide through the beat and chants of the music. I really didn’t want it to end.
I don’t know if I just needed a good cry, or whether I just realised for the first time in probably years I desensitised myself and was able to peer down a lens of pure beauty, and calm with no distractions.
So, I began to think what experience her performance would have some of our hospice patients today. For a few moments even, pure beauty and peace. (And that made more tears come!).” – Hospital Staff
Tech Specs
Touring Party: 8 pax
Duration: 5 – 10min individual performances
Maximum: 20 shows per day 60 shows per week
Minimum Performance Area: Set made to be transportable and can be set over a seated person or someone resting in a bed.
Perfect Venue Space: Hospitals and care facilities
Who’s the Audience?
5 – 65 years old
These performances are designed to spark joy and connection, creating meaningful experiences for patients, caregivers, families, and staff. While not accessible to the general public, The Lensical highlights the transformative power of dance in personal and healing environments.
Age Suitability: All ages
Information for Presenters
A special thank you to Trish Hansen from Flinders Medical Centre, and to Jill Newman and Lauren Simeoni from the Women’s & Children’s Hospital Foundation. Thank you to European Museum Technology (EMT) and bluebottle.
