Following heatwaves in the UK and Sung Im Her’s home country of South Korea, the choreographer’s new piece explores the impact of climate change, and features light and sound that reflects rising temperature data. Looking at consumerism and convenience culture, the seven dancers will be dressed in the clothes that they don’t wear anymore, and tracing paths inspired by city skylines. The score by long term Belgian collaborator Husk Husk is artistically inspired by data collected from rising atmospheric temperatures, and the lighting design – which doubles as set design to reduce on material waste – is coordinated to the rising temperature of the earth. 1 Degree Celsius asks: is the way we live our daily lives truly sustainable, what are the consequences of our choices, and what unsettling legacy do we leave for future generations?
In South Korea, July’s average high temperature of 32C was the second highest on record, and the country experienced a record breaking streak of 22 ‘tropical nights’ with temperatures not falling below 25C.
Sung Im Her said, “Through this work I hope that audiences feel the urgency of climate change. However, my work is also about finding strength and optimism within ourselves despite the challenges we face. I want people to leave the theatre with a positive outlook and for it to spark conversations about our children’s futures that we often find difficult to have.”
Born in South Korea, Sung Im Her obtained a master’s degree in contemporary dance at Hansung University before moving to Brussels, Belgium to study at acclaimed contemporary dance school P.A.R.T.S.. She creates work that references social expectation, beliefs and values, and reflects that back to audiences, questioning or at times challenging our thinking. Her work includes Tomorrowisnowtodayisyesterday and W.A.Y
The performance at the Southbank Centre is part of KUNSTY (5 – 8 Nov), a new performance series that platforms the rad, the queer and the uncategorisable. From the German ‘kunst’, meaning art. Explore a host of performances from independent artists working at the boundaries of dance, performance, live art and cabaret, and late-night shows in the KUNSTY cabaret lounge.
Running Time: 50 mins (approx.) | Suitable for ages 8+
Company information
Choreographer Sung Im Her Rehearsal directors Ji Hye Ha, Eu Seul Lee
Lighting design Young Uk Lee Stage manager Sang Ji Choi
Sound design: Husk Husk, Lucy Duncan
Costume designer Mio Jue
Costume assistants Guimarães-Walker, Sasha Karadzhinova, Sophie Barnard
Produced by Jin Yim (KR), Uprise Rebel (UK)
Performers
Sung Im Her, Gyeong Mi Hwang, Hyeun Taek Oh, Ji Soo Ryu, Jun Hong Cho, Jae Sung Yu, Dae Gyu Moon
Listings information
4 Nov Lowry, Quays Theatre
Pier 8, The Quays, Salford, M50 3AZ
8pm | £18 – £11
thelowry.com | 0161 876 2000
6 Nov Southbank Centre, Queen Elizabeth Hall
Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX
7pm | £34 – £17
www.southbankcentre.co.uk | 020 7452 3961
8 Nov FABRIC, Crescent Theatre
Sheepcote St, Birmingham B16 8AE
7pm | £12 – £35
fabric.dance/ | 0121 543 5858