Burnt Out

One Australian’s experience of our changing climate.

Photo by Brian Hartley

‘★★★★’ - The Stage ‘★★★★’ - A Theatre Blog ‘★★★★’- British Theatre Guide, ‘★★★★’ - Theatre Scotland

‘Burnt Out' is a solo dance theatre work centred around our changing climate. Weaving spoken word and movement we are taken on a journey through past bushfires including Penny's own experiences, through their ignition and devastation, and left with space to ponder how we got here.

Embedded in its soundscape are sounds from the Black Summer - of magpies that have learnt to mimic emergency alarms, of the shark sirens used to draw attention to the fire blackened skies, and of helicopters circling overhead. Original music from Paul Michael Henry interwoven with the delicate lighting of David Bowes. Bringing together both past and future, fact and personal lived account, 'Burnt Out' is at once an intimate personal story and a universal meditation and reflection on our changing climate.

“The show emerges from the smoke as a moving meditation on Australia’s attitude to the environment.” - The Stage

“David Bowes’ lighting is masterful, caressing Chivas as she emerges from and returns to the dark with a stark clarity that matches her revelations.” - Claire Wood, The Wee Review

“She sings in such a way that seems to use her whole chest, and dances in such a way that uses all the length and strength of her limbs. It creates a sense of power and an acute awareness of her body and its capacities.” - A Theatre Blog

A 50 minute work designed for a live theatre space. Digital version available late 2021 for online screenings, made in association with Scottish Dance Theatre and Dumfries and Dumfries & Galloway Dance.

Lighting by Great Snakes (David Bowes). Music by Paul Michael Henry.

“…excellent atmospheric soundscape…” - Bill Stephens, Australian Arts Review

Penny has worked with independent producer and sustainability planner Katy Dye towards the Scottish 2023 tour, embedding a low-carbon model of production and touring into planning and Katy will act as Sustainability Advisor for the tour. Read our Sustainability Aims here. Burnt Out is produced by the Rural Touring Agency.

Past Performances 2023

20th-21st Jan | 7:30pm | QL2 Dance, Ngunnawal Country (Canberra), Australia

29th March | 6pm | Lemon Tree, Aberdeen, Scotland, as part of Climate Week North East Scotland.

16th June | 7pm | Dance City, Newcastle, England

Tue 5 Sep | 7pm | Culbin Theatre, Nairn Community Arts Centre, Scotland

Fri 8 Sep | 7pm | Stromness Town Hall, Orkney, Scotland

Mon 11 Sep | 7pm | St Magnus Centre, Kirkwall, Orkney, Scotland

Sat 16 Sep | 7.30pm | Mareel, Shetland, Scotland

Fri 29 Sep | 7pm | The Barn, Banchory, Scotland | BSL-interpreted

Wed 4 Oct | 7.30pm | Macrobert Arts Centre, Stirling, Scotland | BSL-interpreted

Thu 5 Oct | 6.30pm | The Byre Theatre, St Andrews, Scotland | BSL-interpreted

Fri 6 Oct | 7pm | Platform, Glasgow, Scotland | BSL-interpreted

Sat 14 Oct | 6pm | The Phoenix, Dumbarton, Scotland

Sun 15 Oct | 6pm | The Phoenix, Dumbarton, Scotland

Sat 28 Oct | 2pm | Quarrymen's Arts Centre, Creetown, Scotland

24th Nov | 7:30pm | Lonely in the Rain Festival, Joensuu, Finland

Full-length footage available upon request.

Interview in Fjord Review on ‘Burnt Out’ here

Interview for Scottish Dance Theatre here

Dance Art Journal here

Development supported by The Work Room, QL2 Dance (Australia), Dance Base, Lyra, CCA Glasgow, Tramway, Macrobert Arts Centre and Dance City. “Burnt Out” is currently available for UK/European/Australian touring.

“Chivas is a relentless dancer and tenacious spirit.” - Penelope Ford, ArtsHub

“…a generous and eloquent performer and everything combines to bring meaning, making Burnt Out a surprisingly complete and satisfying solo performance…” - Dora Frankel, British Theatre Guide