Clod Ensemble

★★★★ Guardian: "Boundaries between fake and real are blurred and broken in a smart, funny show that fuses science and art...There’s only one conclusion to draw: free dancing on the NHS." Read  the full review by Lyndsey Winship 

Placebo is listed in The Guardian's Cultural Highlights: Top 3 Dance Shows. Read more here.

A room full of expectation, suggestion and infectious rhythm. 

What is fake and what is real? Is the movement the medicine? 

In Clod Ensemble’s Placebo, seven dancers reckon with the 'placebo effect'. By playing with themes such as expectation, suggestion, pleasure and pain, the performers ask: do we have the power to make ourselves feel better?

With a euphoric electro soundtrack by composer Paul Clark, director Suzy Willson’s Placebo is an energetic expression of the connection between our minds and bodies. Come and enjoy Clod Ensemble’s creative spirit in a collaboration of dance, theatre, visual art and fashion for all audiences – whether dance experts or complete novices.

The root of the word ‘placebo’ is ‘to please’, and that provokes all sorts of interesting ideas for us. How we please each other, how we please ourselves, how we fail to do either of those things, and how our expectations and prejudices shape how we feel”

- Clod Ensemble

Showcasing the cutting-edge designs of fashion label ART SCHOOL, Placebo continues Clod Ensemble’s reputation for finely crafted and provocative approach to performance.

Facebook: /ClodEnsemble
Twitter: @ClodEnsemble
Instagram: @clod.ensemble

Age Guidance: 14+

We have a PARENT & BABY MATINEE on Thu 8 Nov

We understand it can be difficult for a parent to come out in the evening so we’ve programmed a performance earlier in the day. You can come with or without your child. Please bear in mind that this is not a children’s show and it does contain adult themes.

• Thu 8 Nov 11am performance
  Join us for a play in the theatre bar from 10.30am and stay after the show for a relaxing afternoon with your baby. Buggy park, changing facilities and soft play area with toys and books provided.
  Tickets £13 (FREE for babies)
  Older children are welcome at the carer’s discretion.

FOR THE CURIOUS

Placebo will be accompanied by a series of talks, workshops and events which will delve deeper into many of the questions that the topic of ‘placebo’ inspires.

• Thu 1 Nov 6pm
  Panel discussion: Moving Medicine
  What role can movement and dance play in improving health outcomes? Join us for a discussion with patients, health professionals and artists.
   
• Tue 6 Nov 6pm - 7.15pm
  Workshop: Performing Medicine
  An introduction to Clod Ensemble’s pioneering arts programme for healthcare professionals.
   
• Wed 7 Nov Stay after the show for a Q&A with Artistic Directors Suzy Wilson and Paul Clark.

Please see this website page for updates of other Placebo contextual events in other venues including the British Library and the Wellcome Collection. theplace.org.uk/placeboevents

Production Credits
Direction & Choreography Suzy Willson
Music Paul Clark
Costume Design Art School
Image Credit Manuel Vason
Lighting Hansjörg Schmidt
Commissioned by The Place
Supported by Arts Council England and Wellcome Trust.

This event is part of Autumn 2018