Time in the shower is often over-looked, yet the enclosed space isolates the mind, exposing all the demands of busy lives.
‘Submerged’ seeks to uncover what can be found in the deepest part of our minds, where the outside world has no influence. The only thoughts that exist there are those we create and dwell on when we are completely alone. For some, this place means freedom. For others it is a trap – inescapable, overwhelming, suffocating.
Here the creators and performers of the film and dance collaboration, Nadia Milford and Felix Palmerson, pen an open letter from a submerged mind:
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“Our minds create thousands of thoughts every second. Within this complex stream of consciousness we discard some ideas while selecting others. ‘Submerged’ draws us into this creative process and how we control our thoughts, particularly in those times when we are completely alone, isolated from the distractions of our busy lives.
Through a union of film and dance ‘Submerged’ explores the concept of selective creativity through the contextual metaphor of a shower. This enclosed space has the capacity to isolate us from the outside world, strip us bare, and expose us to ourselves. The only thoughts that exist there are those we create and dwell on when we are completely alone. In these moments of deep thought we can either allow ourselves to be consumed by our fears and self-doubt or be liberated by a vision of possibility.
This idea behind ‘Submerged’ came about after Felix Palmerson and myself separately explored dance movement within the confined space of a shower. Our independent explorations revealed the way our minds chose to focus on different thoughts. The space was neutral yet our emotional reactions were divergent. This gave rise to the theme of how we, as individuals, ultimately control our fate.
Initially created for the 2015 Fresh Blood Festival, this current version has been redeveloped with additional creative input of Damian Tatum.”
– Nadia and Felix
Through a union of film and dance ‘Submerged’ explores the concept of selective creativity through the contextual metaphor of a shower. This enclosed space has the capacity to isolate us from the outside world, strip us bare, and expose us to ourselves. The only thoughts that exist there are those we create and dwell on when we are completely alone. In these moments of deep thought we can either allow ourselves to be consumed by our fears and self-doubt or be liberated by a vision of possibility.
This idea behind ‘Submerged’ came about after Felix Palmerson and myself separately explored dance movement within the confined space of a shower. Our independent explorations revealed the way our minds chose to focus on different thoughts. The space was neutral yet our emotional reactions were divergent. This gave rise to the theme of how we, as individuals, ultimately control our fate.
Initially created for the 2015 Fresh Blood Festival, this current version has been redeveloped with additional creative input of Damian Tatum.”
– Nadia and Felix
'Submerged' performs Backbone's 2high Festival 15 January.
