Papillons

Part performance, part reflection, Papillons invites us into a world where artists respond to music through movement and composition, visual art and conversation.

The boundary-pushing Manchester Collective collaborate with dance-theatre company Thick & Tight and multimedia artist CHAINES for this disarmingly intimate performance.

At its heart is Kaija Saariaho’s ‘Sept Papillons’ (Seven Butterflies) –an exquisitely brittle and luminous set of seven miniatures for solo cello performed by Laura van der Heijden, one of the leading cellists of her generation.

The Camberwell Incredibles, an arts collective of practising and learning diverse artists, complete the line-up on film.

Weaving haunting electro-acoustic sound worlds, delicate choreography and live visuals together with personal reflections, Papillons celebrates the power of subjectivity and creativity within each of us.

Featured Music
Kaija Saariaho Sept Papillons
CHAINES (Cee Haines) oysters sing of silkworms
Imogen Holst The Fall of the Leaf

Line-up
Laura van der Heijden Cello
Thick & Tight Dance
CHAINES Electronics, visuals
The Camberwell Incredibles Mixed media

This performance is captioned and partially audio described.

Papillons is co-created by Manchester Collective, Thick & Tight, CHAINES and Laura van der Heijden. CHAINES’ new work is commissioned by Manchester Collective with support from Hinrichsen Foundation and The Leche Trust. Thick & Tight’s work with the Camberwell Incredibles is supported by Lowry.

Photo: Papillons feat. Laura van der Heijden © Camilla Greenwell