Performer's Diary

Just over a year ago, Christine Devaney asked Luke Sutherland, Jer Reid, and me, Michael Sherin, to join her for her residency at Dance Base.
Studio 3 was to be our home for the two weeks: what a delight it was! Being in that light-filled, weather-infected room was like arriving at a holiday destination. A moving, creative playground of dreaming and invention.

Luke and Jer are musicians, among other things, and they provide the live music which is an integral part of our show. Actually it's the lifeblood. Somehow what they created demands a visceral and profound response. Talk about 'feeling the vibe.' And just in case you're worried, we had lots of laughs too. Maybe they'll be in another show.

At the end of the residency we had a 'sharing'. The reaction was fantastic and it confirmed what we were feeling: we had something. Buoyed by the response and determined to keep the dole count down, Chris trusted her instincts and took her case to the Scottish Arts Council.

So here we are, some shredded nerves later – courtesy of a big bag of money from SAC and further residencies and amazing help from Dance Base, Eden Court, City Moves, Deda – back where it all started, at Dance Base as a result of Chris's unique vision and determination. And we picked up a few wastrels on the way and turned them into an amazing creative team.

We were in Deda for two weeks, before coming back to Edinburgh, where we did all the technical stuff and had our first preview. We had our dress rehearsal with not a lot of time to get used to the new space. I felt a bit ropey, to be honest, and a sudden bout of sciatica from an old injury made me feel really nervous. Despite all this, it went reasonably well. A few problems with the sound have to be sorted out and apparently Ms D is not too happy with some aspect of her costume, although I'm not sure why.

We opened last night to a very responsive audience. It felt like they were 'with us'. We're up and running now and it feels great all of a sudden to be part of a project that I think has been curious in its development and unique in its outcome.

In Found Luke and Jer, the musical alchemists, have created and play a live soundtrack that feels like mother's love. I know that's a lofty claim to make - if pushed, I'm not sure I can explain it, but I know what it feels like. And in a way that is what Found is like.

We won't tell you a story with a linear narrative and make everything explicit. There are a few sparse words written by myself and Chris to link some of the gaps, but there's also enough space for you to fill them in and experience the show in your own unique way.

I'm writing this from my bed where I'm nursing the dodgy back. It's strange because I've come back to performing after a break of almost ten years and I'm at an age where ordinarily I would have been in retirement as a dancer. Perhaps I've come back for my swansong. If I have it's a beautiful way to go. Come and see for yourselves.

All the best,
Michael.