Spa: Site-Specific Performance

This project questioned the nature of healing and its place in contemporary society. It specifically investigated the ways in which a culturally ‘loaded’ space, in this instance the empty Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Hospital, can impact on memory and the effect of this on notions of health for the current generation. Pilgrim was also interested to explore cross-generational casting and how this could be utilised effectively in site-specific peformance of this nature.

In the process of research Pilgrim examined healing through the ages from the Roman Baths to the Georgians ‘taking the waters’, the Victorian asylum, and the 1950s TB Sanatorium to the contemporary cult of the Spa. As director, designer and writer of the project Pilgrim developed an over-riding narrative from this research and spent two years looking at empty hospitals in London in order to find a site that would suit and that she was permitted to utilise. Inspired by the history of the building and the life of Elizabeth Garrett Anderson she finally decided to present the work there. Pilgrim went on to develop a cross-generational performance, the oldest performer was 89 and the youngest was 16. Working with over 200 people including students from Wimbledon College of Art, Central School of Speech and Drama, Central St Martins, as well as performers from Circus Space, Oval House Art Centre and the Sadler's Wells over 60's Dance Group. The work was produced by Pilgrim’s performance company ‘Corridor’.

‘Spa’ was funded by Arts Council England; RALP Awards for All; University College Hospitals development Trust; Camden Council; Islington Council; BUPA; Foundation for Sports and Arts and the John Lyons Trust.

• http://www.artsagenda.co.uk/gp.htm