Beyond The Surface: Journeys from Within
26th September - 23rd November 2024
Recoverist = Recovery + Activist
Beyond the Surface celebrated 10 years of Fallen Angels working in the borough of Wigan.
The exhibition showcased artworks, photography and films from Fallen Angels Dance Theatre and featured the newly commissioned work Samadhi, an immersive digital dance, light and sound installation.
The word "samadhi" is derived from the Sanskrit roots "sam" (together or integrated) and "dhi" (to hold or place). It signifies a state of complete concentration, stillness, and union with the object of meditation.
This unique, digital dance experience was inspired by the real-life experiences of the Fallen Angels recovery community. Members engage in daily practices such as grounding and meditation to establish a deeper connection with their bodies. These practices served as inspiration for creation of the digital dance, incorporating the movements and motions of bodies in recovery from substance use.
Through digital technology and collaboration with creative technologist Noel Jones, the work is accompanied by an immersive light and soundscape. The combination of visuals and audio aims to convey journeys of healing experienced by people in recovery.
An ambition for audiences was that they also embark on journeys of healing by leaving with a profound sense of calm and peace.
‘Samadhi’ was initially developed by Fallen Angels in collaboration with New Note Orchestra and people in recovery from substance use as part of the Royal Opera House, Creative Exchange Programme.
Beyond the Surface is a Fallen Angels Dance Theatre exhibition delivered in partnership with The Turnpike Gallery and Portraits of Recovery as part of Recoverist Month 2024.
Portraits of Recovery (PORe) are a pioneering visual arts charity based in Manchester, inspiring and supporting people affected by and in recovery from substance use (Recoverists). PORe Director, Mark Prest says:
“We are the UK’s only contemporary visual arts organisation working within this field. By working collaboratively with leading contemporary artists, people in recovery, and communities in recovery, we share the human face of the recovery experience – breaking down barriers and promoting inclusion. Addiction does not discriminate. Addiction is a health, social and cultural issue.”
Fallen Angels Dance Theatre was founded in 2011 by Artistic Director Paul Bayes Kitcher and Claire Morris, Creative and Strategic Director.
Claire says: “Here at Fallen Angels we support people in recovery across the North-West to transform their lives and share the recovery journey with the wider public, through dance, performance and creativity.
Our recovery artists are at the very heart of our work, developing dance skills in our workshops, sharing their stories in research and development, and for some, auditioning and performing in our professional company.”