Project Archive
2008
Hybrid
Premiered Spring 2008
Artists
Concept - Jen Wren
Choreography - Jen Wren & Originating Cast
Composition - Nico Bentley
Additional Music - ‘Hotel Song’ by Regina Spector
Costumes - Selina Nightingale
Lighting - Mark Baker
Originating Cast - Jen Wren, Phil Sanger, Pauline Meyers, & Gemma Morris.
In 2006/7, Arts Council England launched an inquiry into the public's view of art in today's society, trying to get to the bottom of ‘What makes something art?’ And ‘What makes someone an artist?’. Prompted by the enquiry, Wren and Slanjayvah Danza performers also took to the streets. They mingled, debated (and laughed a lot) with members of the public to find out, and understand for themselves what people really think about the subject of art and performance.
This production is the living archive of the cultural phenomena that is art; a mash-up of public opinion and artists’ views portrayed through episodes of dance, design, song and dialogue. Hybrid might be tongue in cheek and rich with sarcasm and dry humour, but above all, it is a touching account of what makes us human, and it concludes with an explosion of colour and joy that will have you foot tapping and swaying.
Our partners and stakeholders for Hybrid, to whom we are forever grateful, were: Arts Council England, Yorkshire Dance, Highlights Rural Touring, and Spot On Rural Touring
“I am particularly excited by Slanjayvah Danza’s approach to contemporary dance… it will be an entertaining night for all.”
Theatre in the Mill, Bradford
Touring and Accolades
In response to public inquiries, Wren and Slanjayvah Danza created Hybrid specifically for audiences who felt overlooked. Some lived in areas without theatres, others were in neighbourhoods that were underserved for financial reasons, and some believed they were not seen as worthy of having access to culture. Working closely with rural touring initiatives (Highlights Rural Touring and Spot On Rural Touring), Hybrid toured nationally in the Spring and Summer of 2008, bringing culture to the doorsteps of those who have been excluded from the cultural experiences that everyone deserves to access.
