Earlier this year, Studio Somewhere put a call out for submissions to our Spring 2024 Studio Somewhere residency programme. We had four residencies available for artists based in Scotland.The residencies are opportunities for artists working in experimental performance to put an idea in motion or explore a new collaboration. We were looking for artists who wished to explore projects that raise interesting new questions relevant to our time, or innovative in approach to form.
With the TMS residency, Solène will explore the first stage of an R&D looking at how the dedicated space of a theatre with all its artifices, suited for magic and illusion, can enhance a performance that talks about manufacturing truth.
Solène’s background
Solène’s love for dance started when she was 5 doing pirouettes (only) on her kitchen floor. Later she formally trained at the CNR of Lyon and LCDS where she obtained a BA(Hons) and an MA in contemporary dance and performance. Solène's different identities in dance includes being a choreographer, a performer, a co-deviser, a teacher and a rehearsal director. She has built long lasting creative relationship with Scottish Dance Theatre (Janet Smith & Joan Clevillé), Lost Dog (Ben Duke) and OD WORKS (Oona Doherty), and has been part of projects with Gecko, Vera Tussing and Rosalind Masson. Solène is a co-founder of the Glasgow based music/dance improvisation Collective Endeavours. Solène has been focusing on making her own work since 2020. Her first solo show, AFTER ALL opened at the fringe 2023 and is currently touring in the UK and internationally.
Work to be developed during the residency
With the TMS residency, Solène will explore the first stage of an R&D looking at how the dedicated space of a theatre with all its artifices, suited for magic and illusion, can enhance a performance that talks about manufacturing truth.
We wanted to find out a bit more from our artists - here’s what Solène said about their interests and practice.
Has this been inspired by anything in particular?
I am inspired by #metoo and the courage for women to speak up about different kind of abuse when their words have been (and still are) transformed/ undermined/ manipulated by patriarchal institution and systems.
What’s next for you after your residency?
I will head to London to collaborate with dancer and Drag King Jay Yule for the further development of this initial idea with choreodrome. I have received a 'writing booster pack' where I will have the priviledge to be mentored by writer and dramaturge Karthika Nair. And in the autumn I will go on touring AFTER ALL, which is a solo show created in Scotland and I premiered at the fringe in 2023.
What five words describe the way you approach your practice in development?
Dance, Theatre, Voice, Laughter, Conversations
What’s the best thing about having access to the TMS studio for a period?
It is a total dream to start exploring the very first stage of an idea I would not have know how to explore without that perfectly tailored opportunity. The best thing about having access to the TMS studio is the infrastructures available to support the courage needed to dive in something totally new. So many people do that without any resources. This is deeply appreciated.
What have you seen recently that’s excited/inspired you? (performance/art/music/etc)
I loved the film 'Anatomy of a Fall' by Justine Triet and have also been inspired by a french documentary by Sylvaine Falligant called 'Les Menteuses'.
Read more about Solene - Article in The Creative Independent and a recent interview in Springback Magazine.
Follow Solène on Instagram or Facebook
Find out more via their website.
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