DROWNTOWN LOCKDOWN

Six strangers, weighed down by individual darkness, look out on a coastal land from their living rooms. Seemingly abandoned, there is no one to help but themselves. Stuck between the remains of a broken community and the vast bleakness of the sea, they struggle with isolation, shame and failed support systems.

Gritty dance theatre, with autobiographical testimonials and text, this timely virtual performance gives voice to the vulnerable and unheard. Loneliness, involuntary isolation and the difficulty of leaving the house are all sensitively explored in this poignant, specially created film. With tenderness and honesty, DROWNTOWN LOCKDOWN holds up a mirror to a society at tipping point.

Made during the COVID-19 lockdown in the performers’ homes, DROWNTOWN LOCKDOWN is a digital prologue to the stage show DROWNTOWN, which premiered in 2022. DROWNTOWN LOCKDOWN was named as ‘The Best Dance of Lockdown’ (The Guardian), and nominated for a 2021 National Dance Award for Best Digital Choreography.

Age Guidance: 15+ due to strong language, and themes of isolation, depression and suicide.

CREDITS

Choreographer/Director Rhiannon Faith · Director Adam Sheldon (Big Egg Films) · Director of Photography Ruari Barratt · Creative Producer Maddy Morgan · Associate Producer Olive Kane · Devised with and Performed by Lewis Bramble, Cherie Coleman, Shelley Eva Haden, Thomas Heyes, Donald Hutera, Maddy Morgan · Music Director Molly O’Brien · Composer John Victor · Voice-over Artist Jay Anthoney · Costume Alice Barbero

PR Steve Forster at sfp communications · Photography Foteini Christofilopoulou · Digital Marketing Shelley Eva Haden · Online Premiere facilitated by Carve Productions

With special thanks to Dolly Blue, Corrin Bramble, Marc Coleman, Lou Cope, Merlyn Griffiths, Tony Mills, Anna Magdalena O’Brien, Elizabeth O’Brien, Robin Pollard

DROWNTOWN LOCKDOWN is supported using public funding by Arts Council England's Emergency Fund. Presented in partnership with the Barbican, Harlow Playhouse, Gulbenkian and The Mill.

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT

The film explores themes of isolation. If you feel you need some extra support you can contact the Samaritans 24-hours a day: