Dramaturgical Egg: Paper Doll Militia @ Manipulate 2018

PAPER DOLL MILITIA PRESENT

EGG

Highlighting themes of choice, chance, science and mortality, an autobiographical tale about a young woman who gave her eggs. With live music and aerial choreography on plastics, Egg explores the physical distortion and discomfort of the effects of hormones on the body, and the complexity created through the use of science to make a family.

What was the inspiration for this performance?

Sarah Bebe Holmes: This is an autobiographical piece which took 10 years to get from living in my brain to the page and eventually to stage. It is about egg donation and use of modern fertility methods such as IVF and most specifically about my experience in giving my eggs to a friend to have a child. It hits on themes of 'genetic validity' 'parenting as a form ownership' and 'modern family structures;

How do you feel your work fits within the remit of the manipulate festival?

This is a highly visual piece of aerial theatre, using clear plastics throughout the set and as aerial apparatus, projected animation, live music with odd instrumentation, physical theatre and acrobatic movement. Manipulate is all about theatre and film which pushes at complex visuals. I'm happy to yet again me involved in this incredible festival. 

Is performance still a good space for the public discussion of ideas? 

Absolutely without question. Performance is a form which NEEDS to tap into social, ethical, moral, political and other relevant issues. Being in a room together in REAL life is so important. Live performance, unlike online entertainment, brings people together in one space. The point is to start new thinking and start new dialogue, and to make people FEEL things. And so good to feel things together within close proximity of other humans, sat in seat next to each other, actually PRESENT with the art. 

How did you become interested in making performance?

Existential crises. 

Does the show fit with your usual productions?'

Paper Doll Militia creates both verbal and non-verbal shows, however, it is been 6 years since we have created a scripted, verbal show. But I would say this piece is the most specifically issue-based piece we have made.  

What do you hope that the audience will experience?

I hope that some aspect of this show hits every audience member. There are different elements and issues presented and though this is quite a specific story, there are broader themes that I am hoping will evoke an emotional response in the audiences.