Zero
A turbulent mix of dance, music and theatre.
Zero is a world in which nothing is certain – where women can be tigers and men can be snakes. Families are laced with sibling rivalries, marriages with frustrated desires, and friendships with murderous ambitions. Heavens open and lives fall apart.
At least we can still sing the blues.
Suzy Willson - Direction & Choreography; Paul Clark - Music; Peggy Shaw & Paul Clark - Lyrics; Sarah Blenkinsop - Design; Hansjörg Schmidt - Lighting
Suzy Willson - Direction & Choreography; Paul Clark - Music; Sarah Blenkinsop - Design; Hansjörg Schmidt - Lighting;
Thom Neta - Stage Manager; Lucia Chocarro - Rehearsal Director; Inés Ruiz - Sound Assistant
Alessandra Ruggeri; Antonia Grove; Elizabeth Mischler; Karima El Amrani; Maciej Kuzminzski; Ramona Nagabczynska; Robert Bell; Sarah Cameron; Uri Roodner; Zoe Bywater
Elisabeth Mulenga, Fukiko Takase, Ino Riga, Matt Sandiford, Ramona Nagabczynska, Ruben Brown
Annie Whitehead - Trombone, Chris Allan - Cello, Hazel Holder - Vocals, Ian Watson - Accordion, John Evans - Guitar, Johnny Mars - Harmonica, Vocals,
Vanessa Domonique - Drums
Anoushka Nanguy - Trombone, Chris Allan - Cello, Ed Riches - Guitar, Hazel Holder - Vocals,
Johnny Mars - Vocals/Harmonica, Karen Street - Accordian, Vanessa Domonique - Drums
Commissioned by Sadler’s Wells and Brighton Festival in partnership with South East Dance
Research supported by Jerwood Studio at Sadler’s Wells and Shoreditch Town Hall
Supported by: Leche Trust; The Hinrichsen Foundation; PRSF
The 2025 performances are supported by Arts Council England.
21-22 May 2013 - The Corn Exchange, Brighton (part of the Brighton Festival)
24-25 May 2013 - Bristol Old Vic (part of Mayfest)
4-5 June 2013 - Sadler’s Wells, London
7 June 2013 - Malvern Theatres, Worcestershire
17-18 January 2025 - Clod Ensemble Studios, London
“Clark’s score for ‘Zero’ is an exhilarating bluesy collage, performed live with singer Hazel Holder and the veteran bluesman Johnny Mars.”
The Guardian
“Willson’s eye for the power of breaking established movement patterns is revelatory. Her performers create their own visual language onstage: tough, savvy, a combination of classical rigour and popular culture irony and playfulness […] Singers Johnny Mars and Hazel Holder provide stunning vocal accompaniment to a five-piece band performing catchy, compelling songs and thrilling music throughout.”
The Stage
“Probably the best thing I have ever seen.”
Mayfest Diaries
“Beautifully but sparingly lit, this is dance theatre with real power and a clear story to tell. Seldom does modern dance have so clear a narrative that lifts this from simply being an exercise in disciplined athleticism to real theatre.”
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