Closing out EAF25, Bornsick is a new performance from London-born queer movement artist Lewis Walker. Bornsick reflects the idea that we inherit illness, born into a system that shapes us before we can define ourselves.
Co-commissioned with Serpentine, the gymnastics and dance performance sees a body built, piece by piece: a character assembled through learned movements, imposed behaviors, and artificial layers.
Through conditioning, we create a machine. Through unlearning, we return to the animal. The cycle continues, revealing that there is no final, fixed truth, only endless adaptation. Bornsick suggests that humanhood is a paradox; we search for something real, yet everything we are is borrowed.
Choreographer: Lewis Walker - Performance: Lewis Walker - Hypnotherapist/Live Narrator: Michele Occelli - Music from: Oliver Coates, “Throb, shiver, arrow of time” and “skins n slime” and Underworld, “Born Slippy” (Nuxx) - Look Engineer: Straytukay - Lighting Designer: Laurie Loads - Lighting Programmer & Codesigner: Edward James Saunders - Graphic Designer: Marco Andrea Cacioni - Set Designer: David White - Poster photographer: YISKID - Trailer Videographer: Leah Walker Brown - Physiotherapist & acupuncturist: Atsue Morinaga - Dramaturg and Rehearsal Director: Elisabeth Mulenga - R&D Gymnast: Louis Alexander
Curated and Produced by EAF, Edinburgh: Kim McAleese, Director, Eleanor Edmondson, Curator. Serpentine, London: Kostas Stasinopoulos, Curator, Live Programmes, Daisy Gould, Assistant Curator, Live Programmes, Isobel Peyton-Jones, Producer, Serpentine and Andy Downie, Velocet.
Access
→ To avoid disruption to the artists and audience, no latecomers will be permitted at this event.
→ This event will take place at FirstStage Studios. Attendees will be asked to wait in a waiting area before entering the performance space and taking their seats. If you will need support taking your seat from a Programme Assistant, please note this in the “Access Needs” field when booking a ticket.
→ This event is partially seated, with floor cushions and backed chairs. If you require a specific type or placement of seat, please note this in the “Access Needs” field when booking a ticket.
→ The performance will feature some loud sounds, flashing lights, and chalk that produces dust in the air. Ear defenders and face masks will be available for those who need them.
→ This is an 18+ event.
Events Programme
See more from Lewis Walker in:
→ Lewis Walker + Michele Occelli: MOVE HYNPO Workshop at Dance Base
Co-commissioned with Serpentine, and supported by FirstStage Studios and Dance Base.
