Mind-blowing autobiographical performance piece set for Down Arts Centre
Community, What's On
Down Arts Centre is delighted to be hosting an innovative and groundbreaking performance by Shannon Yee – Reassembled, Slightly Askew, from Wednesday 6th – Sunday 10th May. Belfast-based artist Shannon Yee is bringing something entirely different to theatres in Northern Ireland. In 2008, Shannon became critically ill with a very rare brain infection, which led to several lifesaving surgeries, years of rehabilitation and reintegration back into society with a hidden disability. As part of her recovery, Shannon conceived the idea of sharing the story with NI audiences, and doing so in a pioneering way with her neurosurgeon, head injury nurse, and local artists in sound, drama, and choreography. The result of this partnership is Reassembled, Slightly Askew, a groundbreaking theatrical experience where audience members lie in a hospital bed, wearing an eye mask and headphones and hear the thoughts of the patient, the sounds and voices Shannon heard as she went on her journey toward reassembling her life. Just four audience members at a time will experience the immersive performance, which will take place in the Gallery at Down Arts Centre. Shannon says, "Little did I think all those years ago when I was lying the acute Neurosurgery Ward at the Royal Victoria Hospital that I would be creating an artwork that would take audiences into a hospital bed, and my head, to share the challenges and triumphs of my deeply personal story of my acquired brain injury. It is a story of terror, discovery, humour, but above all, hope." Since May 2014 over 60 people have checked in for their appointment with Reassembled and the feedback has been astounding; "Insightful", "Hugely effective, immersive experience" and "Genuinely poignant" have been amongst the audience responses. Book your appointment today. Tickets to Reassembled, Slightly Askew are free but must be booked in advance. Performance times vary each day and can be found on the show page on the DAC website, www.downartscentre.com. For further information and to book your place, please contact the box office on 028 4461 0747.