The Incredible Presence of a Remarkable Absence (2012)

Photo credit: James Rowbotham. Dancers: Carrie Whitaker and Kai Downham

Photo credit: James Rowbotham. Dancers: Carrie Whitaker and Kai Downham

The Incredible Presence of a Remarkable Absence is a re-imagining of the world created by Samuel Beckett in Waiting for Godot.  Absurd, tender and bittersweet scenarios are played out as four peculiar personalities wait for their salvation. Urgent movement and sporadic dialogues erupt from the characters who embrace distraction to escape the terrible silence. 

Cutting through the endless waiting, a dream world is realised through a supporting
community cast The Incredible Presence of a Remarkable Absence was Lîla’s first full length work. It was presented at Greenbelt Festival and toured in 2012.

This is physical theatre at its best: crafting the intelligence of the human body to convey things that words simply cannot, this self-styled tragic-comedy offers a powerful meditation on the need for meaning and purpose, highlighting the quirks and flaws of human existence with a dash of intelligent, compassionate humour.
— Elise Nuding, Cloud Dance Festival

Credits

Direction: Abi Mortimer

Choreography: Abi Mortimer & Carrie Whitaker

Music & Sound: Dougie Evans and Waiting for a Train
by Jimmie Rodgers

Performers: Joe Darby, Kai Downham, Aya Kobayashi, Carrie Whitaker.

Costume Design: Alice Searle

Lighting design & Technical Management: Vince Field

Technician: Carl McCabe.

Project Management: Morton Bates Arts Services

Running Time 50 mins

Disability, interdependence, manipulation, tenderness - issues that fought for attention while I watched, waited and absorbed movements that bypassed any kind of reason or rational thought, linking directly to my instinct and emotions
— Gini, Disability Arts Online

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Filmed at The Point, watch The Incredible Presence of a Remarkable Absence from the comfort of your home.

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The Deluge (2015)

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A Readiness (2010)