Sanspective

Step inside 'Sanspective', a brand new multi-disciplinary trans-media storytelling experience exploring the changeling mythology. Look to the skies - and to the entwined concepts of neurodivergent identities and alien replacement conspiracies, as you embark on a journey through notions of folklore and sci-fi in our debut immersive show- but be aware, you never know how close a changeling could be. Supported by Arts Council England, The Lowry, Submerge and Starling CIO.

The Sanspective Story

'Sanspective' is a project born out of lead artist Heather's time on the CTRL programme with The Lowry and Submerge Festival. After learning about and experiencing various strands of creative technologies, she was particularly captured by projection mapping, spatialise sound and AI. She was captivated by how artists can use technology to tell stories in unique, innovative ways and appeal to new audiences. Her application for the CTRL seed fund was successful and she began her CTRL residency to develop this show. 'Sanspective' is an exploration of folklore and sci-fi, using the mythology of the changeling as a metaphor to investigate the otherness of neurodivergent members of society- with a particular focus on autism. Heather's lived experiences, alongside that of other autistic and neurodivergent artists inform the narrative and aesthetic that weave together to create a brand new immersive experience that incorporates film, dance, immersive set, sound, art and projection mapping.

The Process

Research

The research phase of 'Sanspective' comprised of various academic, historical, creative and social literary materials. Investigations of media, artwork and creativity related to the changeling. Research trips and recorded open conversations with three research groups also widened the research. The three groups were: a group of neurodivergent individuals; a group of parents, carers and educators of neurodivergent young people and online group of neurodivergent artists.

Artistic Explorations

Artistic explorations for 'Sanspective' spanned creative writing sessions, musical investigations, costume experiments and a movement & dance based research and development workshop.

Film Production

The short film portion of 'Sanspective' to be projection mapped as part of the immersive performance began with call outs, a writing phase, production meetings and cast rehearsals. The film was then shot on location over 2 days and finally edited together for previews.

Pre-Production

The pre-production phase includes: more research and development with the cast; recording voiceovers and finalising of the soundtrack; the development of set, costume and props; shooting and editing some more contemporary visuals and accumulating all of the moving parts that come together to create the experience.

The work so far shall also be shared with a group of artists at Starling CIO which shall influence the further development and refinement of the piece.

Rehearsals

Rehearsals, projection mapping, set installation and technical elements are the final stage of the project that will take us into the performance phase.

CREDITS

Heather Alice (Lead Artist, Director, Producer, Editor, Co-Writer, Choreographer; Artist)

Marina Hata (Cast Member; Choreographer)

Lucy Wiswould-Green (Cast Member; Choreographer)

Megan Fielden (Project Manager; Creative Collaborator)

Steven Gallagher (Creative Access Support)

Joshua Allen (Co-Writer)

Dan Gould (Cinematographer; Editor)

Anoushka Deshmukh (Actor)

Christian Fuchs (Actor)

Patrick Gallagher (Actor)

Joe Berber (Musician)

Kao Hove (Musician)

Jas Nisic (Creative Writer)

Lekhani Chirwa (Creative Writer)

Nadia Bennett (Movement Artist)

Cheyenne Smith (Movement Artist)

Olivia Steele (Movement Artist)

Jack So (Movement Artist)

Rachel Shore (Set Designer and Builder)

Emily Eastwood (Costume Designer and Maker; Artist)

Devon Rea (Projection Mapper)

Alex White (Voice Actor)

Jacqui Henshaw (Researcher)

Maisie White (Artist)

Liam Clarke (Artist)

Elly Hayman (Artist)

Maria Scott (Artist)

Chloe Holford (Production Assistant)

Lucy Gallagher (Production Assistant)

Michelle Gallagher (Chaperone)