Placebo by Clod Ensemble

A room full of expectation, suggestion and infectious rhythm.

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

Placebo is an invigorating celebration of the power we have to make ourselves feel better, even when things are falling apart.

Seven dancers and an audience attempt a series of experiments to discover what gives them pleasure and what might dull their pain. Movements collide, overlap and multiply, propelled by a rich original score that sweeps mischievously through euphoric club tracks to chewy classical fugues.

Placebo continues Clod Ensemble’s reputation for finely crafted, provocative performance, ambitious in scale and concept.

“The quality of the performance is astonishing and unforgettable.” The Scotsman on Under Glass.

Over 20 years, Director Suzy Willson and Composer Paul Cark have created an extraordinary body of work which defies categorisation, often drawing on medical themes. In this post show discussion, they will talk about the processes and research that underpins our latest show Placebo. Chaired by Dr Hollie Massey, Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Psychology at University of Central Lancashire.

Direction & Choreography - Suzy Willson Music - Paul Clark Costume – Art School Image Credit – Manuel Vason

Commissioned by The Place Supported by Stanley Thomas Johnson Foundation and Foyle Foundation.