Falling Apart at the Seams explores the theme of the ageing practitioner, ego, insecurity denial and destruction. Performed by Mark Edward and Julia Griffin (with special guest appeaances) the performance is a quirky intricate dance theatre piece that focuses on two performers who take to the stage like gladiators of their long gone past yet both are in severe denial. Scathing wit, black humour, cracking hip bones, dodgy lip synching, ropey phrase work and a constant urge to take centre spot light is the undercurrent of the piece.The strength of the humour and high standard of choreographic detail ensures that the piece is stimulating and thought provoking whilst at the same time remaining immensely enjoyable and accessible to the audience.

“The modern day Bette and Joan who not only let their hair down but also their mothers, their old dance teachers and their therapist”

Choreography and Direction: Mark Edward.
Creative Collaborator: Julia Griffin.
Special guest appearances.

Film: Peter Boulton and Stuart Brookes. Edited by Peter Boulton.

Photographs: Stuart Rayner

Falling Apart at the Seams explores hybrid performative elements: contemporary dance, text, film and sound. The piece is a quirky duet utilising irony, black humour and scathing wit. Two performers take to the stage like gladiators of their long gone past, yet both are in severe denial. Cracking hip bones, dodgy lip-synching and a constant need to take centre spotlight is the undercurrent of the narrative structure of the work.

The choreographic project will use the techniques of European Dance Theatre and current contemporary dance practice to interrogate and subvert the current culture of dance and what constitutes a dancing body. Physical imprinting from past embodied dance technique, irony, humour and company repertoire will also be explored. The project seeks to liberate the dancer from the constraints of these ‘ideological’ identities.

“Falling Apart at the Seams humorously captivates the audience with issues of dancers clinging to dance performance of the past and literally competing for centre stage. Edward’s ability to question modern dance conventions through volatile, engaging tactics is both commendable and riveting.

It is not possible to watch Edward’s work without reflecting on modern dance culture which he so excellently parodies. The last image of the dancers following a larger than life white rabbit off the stage to the lyrics which promise of a ‘wonderland far away’ is a striking image to end a provocative work.”

Christy Adair, 2008, Dance Writer.

Falling Apart at the Seams was selected for British Dance Edition 2008, Dance Fest UK 07, Arts Forum 07 in relation to Shooting Fish, Research forum 07, LEAP Festival 07, Marks of Time 07 international dance conference and Dance Cuts 2006.