Deep End

‘Deep End’ took place in the empty Marshall Street Baths in Soho in 2005, and further developed Pilgrim’s ongoing work in the field of site-specific performance. In this project Pilgrim addressed the ways in which the history of a building and the architecture of a site might be used to create a performance without the juxtaposition and overlay of a narrative stream. Using only a small number of performers Pilgrim was also interested in exploring the ways in which technical effects might be incorporated into a site-specific work of this nature.

As designer and director of the project Pilgrim worked with the architecture of the building in its present state and carefully researched its history. Pilgrim worked with the local residents from the Westminster community to develop the installation. Without imposing an overriding narrative she was concerned to simply bring the building back to life with traces of memories. Originally a workhouse prior to becoming a public baths, the piece evokes the specific history of the Baths, with the format encompassing the unique atmosphere of the area and community that surrounded it. Pilgrim worked with light, sound and performance, to enhance what was already there, without transforming the spaces by creating environments within them. The effect of working with fewer performers, expanded the use of projection and architectural lighting to create specific atmospheres within the empty space.

The 30-minute site-specific tour/performance was produced by Pilgrim’s company ‘Corridor’. The project was funded by Arts Council England; RALP Awards for All; Westminster Council; Central School of Speech and Drama; and Wimbledon College of Art; and involved student placements from Wimbledon College of Art and Central School of Speech and Drama. Reviews included: The Guardian, Time Out, The Theatre.