Where we choose to stand

work in progress

‘★★★★★’ - The Skinny

‘Where we choose to stand’ is an ambitious dance theatre work inspired by climate activism amid political upheaval. Embedded in Nicolette Macleod’s evocative soundscape are first hand accounts from people from across the UK who have been involved in direct action, amplifying the voices of those often silenced for their actions. Through audience interaction, ‘Where we choose to stand’ challenges audiences to reflect on where they stand, asking how we position ourselves in moments of crisis. This urgent work highlights individual voices caught within a crowd, creating a timely exploration of personal and collective responses to the climate crisis.

“In a world that’s as obsessed with empowerment as it is with spectacle, this softly Boalian play of subjectivity has real potency.” - Douglas Rogers, The Skinny

Musician Nicolette Macleod

Ecoscenographer: Mona Kastell

Producer: Sheena Miller (the Rural Touring Agency)

Sustainability Planner: Katy Dye

Mentorship: Dora Frankel

Dramaturg: Emma Jayne Park

Project support workers: Amy Dakin Harris & Hannah Deus Draper

Thanks to Patricia Suarez and Alasdair Sim

Development of the work has been supported by Dance City (Newcastle), The Work Room (Glasgow), City Moves (Aberdeen), Tramway (Glasgow), Dance Base (Edinburgh) and the National Lottery through Creative Scotland.

“Penny is a serious and committed dance artist creating work in an essential area, highlighting climate and environmental collapse. Time is never wasted and observations and provocations from my side are always 'received' and pondered upon. The dialogue is rewarding. We then lay the outline for the next steps; Penny conducts everything at the highest professional level and is a delight to work with." - Dora Frankel

Audience responses to the work after sharing at City Moves in January 2024:

“Endurance, discomfort honest, silence, control, pressure, cyclical, connection, collective action, informed, empathy, constrained, passionate, scary, addictive, intriguing, quietly powerful, intense, moving, relevant, brave, passionate.”