A LIVING SCULPTURE

Described by the New York Times as “An enthralling, epically adventurous work,” the UK premiere of Weathering by Faye Driscoll (co-presented by Fabric and Fierce Festival 2026) comes to the Midlands Arts Centre, Oct 14 to 16. 

In it, ten performers construct a slowly evolving live scene on a mobile raft-like stage, forming a living sculpture of constantly shifting images, connections and relationships.

Bodies gather, separate and reconfigure, glacially shifting, as the work unfolds in real time. Surrounding the stage on all sides, the audience are close enough to hear every breath, smell the sweat and feel the heat of the action.

And this isn't one for sitting back politely and waiting for the interval wine. Sound, movement, scent, objects and bodies accumulate as the piece progresses, with the boundary between performer and audience deliberately blurred. Less traditional dance show, more being dropped inside an artwork while it changes shape around you.

Fierce says “Weathering is a full body experience that vibrates and electrifies the senses.”

Find out more about Fierce Festival 2026. Taking place from Oct 14 to 18, it offers exhilarating performances, works-in-progress, and artist-hosted meals.

Weathering is presented as part of THIS IS DANCE, a collective of presenting partners, co-producers, and commissioning organisations dedicated to showcasing ambitious international dance in Birmingham, challenging expectations of what dance can be, and bringing joy to audiences across the city. Tickets