Overhead Project: What is Left? at The Lowry

Founded in 2008, Overhead Project are one of the most exceptional ensembles in German contemporary circus and dance. Creating highly physical works using their own signature language of movement, the company interrogate social and political issues using the performance space as a mode of communication. We’re thrilled that the company visit The Lowry this March with their UK premiere of What is Left?, a performative exploration of the spatial structures that define human interaction and culture.

One of the most exceptional ensembles in German contemporary circus and dance.

Described as “somewhere between catwalk and military parade”, What is Left? explores how the spatial structures we inhabit shape our human communication culture. For example, the way we interact and behave in theatres and waiting rooms; in environments of hierarchy and ceremony like courtrooms, schools and places of worship, as well as in the presence of advertising screens in train stations and the like.

By melding contemporary circus and dance in the performance space, the company undertakes a multidimensional exploration of the human body and architecture; the tensions created through space and body, and communication and power play. In this compelling and visceral production, five performers occupy the performance space – though at the same time, the space makes demands of them and they are simultaneously taken over by it.

A multidimensional exploration of the human body and architecture.

Overhead Project have been creating groundbreaking, highly visual performances for almost 25 years. The company – directed by choreographer and circus artist Tim Behren, consists of composer Simon Bauer, visual artist Charlotte Ducousso, performer Mijin Kim and other long-time performers and experts from various fields – has received several international awards and choreography prizes for its works, most recently the Tabori Award 2022 from the Fonds Darstellende Künste.

Overhead Project: What is Left? is recommended for audiences over the age of 14. The performance also contains some nudity.