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Lifeguard

Lifeguardphoto credit: Peter Dibdin

Arches Artist In Residence Adrian Howells explores our complex and ambiguous relationship with water in this immersive theatrical experience. Read more …

In the intimate setting of the training pool at Govanhill Baths, Howells and actor/ dancer Ira Mandela Siobhan perform this new scripted piece, part devised from conversations with members of the local community.

Exploring the emotional and psychological effects of water, from its therapeutic qualities to our overwhelming fear of it, lifeguard re-evaluates the place of swimming in our lives as a health-promoting and life-saving activity.

Working collaboratively with Mike Brookes, Minty Donald, Rob Drummond, Jane Mason, Nick Millar and Nichola Scrutton, lifeguard offers a multi-sensory experience incorporating projection, sound and movement.

An exhibition entitled Water Water Everywhere will also be on display in the baths for the duration of lifeguard . This installation has been created by primary schools on the south side of Glasgow working with the Learn department of the National Theatre of Scotland.

Presented by the National Theatre of Scotland and the Arches in association with Govanhill Baths Community Trust.

This performance takes place at Govanhill Baths, 99 Calder St, Glasgow G42 7RA.

While audience members are encouraged to wear their swimsuits in this warm, accepting environment, it is not compulsory. Similarly, while audience members may be invited to sit around or go in the pool, this is an invitation only.

The production has a suggested age of 12+

More information on this production is available at www.nationaltheatrescotland.com.

The critical consensus

Although Lifeguard represents Adrian Howells’ move away from his one-on-one pieces, it retains the sense of intimacy that he has made his signature style over the past decade.

Gareth K Vile, The Stage, 10/10/2012

It seems surprisingly short of content, offering just a few fragments of familiar reminiscence, some beautiful projections.

***(*)(*)Joyce McMillan, 11/10/2012

Lifeguard is simply too loose in its structure to be a truly convincing work of art.

***(*)(*)Mark Brown, The Telegraph, 11/10/2012

The more lingering impact of what is said, done and shown seeps in long after any dampness has been towelled away.

****(*)Mary Brennan, The Herald, 11/10/2012

For its short length the piece weaves a multi-sensory web around its audience, but you’re left longing for a clearer shape, a greater emotional crescendo and perhaps some social or political context to these reminiscences.

***(*)(*)Allan Radcliffe, The List, 15/10/2012


Features about Lifeguard

Reopened Govenhill Baths to be the venue for 'immersive' drama

Anna Burnside, The Scotsman, 23/09/2012

Adrian Howells on his new National Theatre of Scotland production 'Lifeguard'

Susan Mansfield, The Scotsman, 04/10/2012

Pooling together: Govanhill Baths complex is reviving a Glasgow community

Anna Burnside, The Scotsman, 12/10/2012

Where and when?

Govenhill Baths, Glasgow from Friday October 5, 2012, until Saturday October 27, 2012. More info: http://www.govanhillbaths.com/

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