The Lensical (previously Holding Space) is an intimate, transportable, movement-based production for audiences in hospitals; a co-production of Michelle Heaven and Ben Cobham (Babylamp), and Restless Dance Theatre, with original concept and design by Babylamp. Holding Space showcases an innovative series of short performance works directed by Michelle Heaven, performed and presented by Restless Dance Theatre. Holding Space redefines the intersection of accessible, immersive, performance experiences.
The Lensical offers a series of boutique one-on-one performance experiences for viewers whereby a specially designed theatrical structure transforms patient bed areas into intimate sanctuaries. The cone-like structure designed by Ben Cobham is purpose-built to meet hospital standards. Hygienic and lightweight, the perspective-bending structure suctions to the hospital table and glides seamlessly into place without disrupting bed or patient, providing a portal or frame for the moving collage of visual delights, and momentary reprieve from the hospital environment. Specialised headphones enable sound to be shared between performer and viewer without disrupting others in the room/ward.
The unique Restless dancers will perform a range of material, combining stylised movement with gentle, playful and meaningful imagery. Informed by disability, each work is crafted to emotionally resonate and provide a profound, uplifting and moving live experience for audiences of different ages, who would otherwise be unable to access such unique experiences.
Guest Director Michelle Heaven
Designer Ben Cobham
Rehearsal Director Larissa McGowan
Artistic Director Michelle Ryan
Creative Producer Roz Hervey
Costume Designer Renate Henschke
Assistant Costume Designer Ziva von der Borch
Production Manager Katya Shevtsov
The Women’s & Children’s Hospital Foundation’s Arts in Health program creates an interactive and vibrant hospital environment that improves the health and wellbeing of women, children, and their families under the care of the Women’s and Children’s Health Network. Through art, play, dance, music, and literature, we encourage curiosity and creativity to reduce the stress and anxiety of being in hospital, provide moments of calm in a busy health environment and use creative approaches to healthcare and wellbeing.
Based at Flinders Medical Centre, the Arts in Health Program exists to bring arts and culture to healthcare across Southern Adelaide Local Health Network (SALHN). Flinders Medical Centre (FMC) is the southern area’s major public hospital with over 900 beds and provides medical services for people living in the southern metropolitan area Adelaide.
Michelle Heaven is a choreographer, performer, and qualified Play Therapist. Her performance career spans working nationally and internationally with artists and companies such as Gideon Obarzanek (Chunky Move), Lucy Guerin Inc, Helen Herbertson, Leigh Warren, Michael Kantor, Phillip Adams, Sandra Parker, Sue Healey, Polyglot Theatre, Victorian Opera, Ben Cobham (Bluebottle) and Walter Dunderville (N.Y.). Her independent work has been presented at Melbourne Festival, Beijing Dance Festival, Dance Massive, The Substation and Castlemaine State Festival. Michelle is a Helpmann Award nominee, multiple Australian Dance Award nominee and recipient of several Victorian Green Room Awards. Creating and dancing alongside others enriches Michelle’s life as does the therapeutic work she engages in to support children and families.
Ben Cobham’s design work has been a striking and influential contribution to the arts scene in Australia since 1991. He has worked as lead designer supporting multiple disciplines including music, theatre, visual art, and dance. Years of investigation, research, and creative contribution forms the foundation upon which he continues to build. Ben is known for combining light and form in innovative ways, striving to invent new formats and create striking outcomes that challenge and excite. As co-director of the company, bluebottle, Ben’s experience encompasses theatrical and commercial environments, local government and the business sector with work for galleries, museums, visitor centres, found architectural spaces, site-specific, and outdoor sites. Ben is a Sidney Myer Fellow and multiple award-winning artist and collaborator.
- Age Suitability: All ages
