Dance People – Old College Quad
A Call to Connection at the Edinburgh International Festival
In the open quadrangle of Old College Quad, Dance People is performed in an unexpected performance space. A simple red ribbon separates performers and watchers, with no seating—merely open air and stone environment. Physical openness is a prelude to the questions of the evening about connection, community, and shared humanity.
The play begins with an evocative stage with projected messages: "Who are you? ", "Are we alone? ", "We have so many people with us… people we've seen on the bus, who walk alongside us, but whom we've never noticed." At one point, the audience is invited to turn around and actually notice the people around them—a simple yet powerful gesture.
The barrier is then literally broken with the ribbon ...