Break-in’ Point: Somatic narratives: The convergence of arts and science in the transformation of temporal communities

Abstract

Break-in’ Point, a 2012 arts and science performance and community engagement research initiative, was presented in the spring and fall semesters at the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom at Stage@Leeds. The outcome of a collaboration between dance artist A3 and theoretical physicist A2, under the direction of performance researcher A1, Break-in’ Point is based on a series of real-life encounters at intersections of arts and science – exploring force, risk, exposure and resilience. The Break-in’ Point performance offered an interrogation of the critical point at which physical, mental, and/or emotional strength give way under stress – causing structural degeneration and the experience of what lies beyond. This article is an examination of the performance, reviewing and analysing it as an imagined somatic zone – embodied encounters that transcend temporal bound-ness, compelling and igniting new possibilities – that engaged spiritual and epistemological transformation of performers and audiences. The article addresses three main periods in the life of Break-in’ Point: (1) the development period – script building and rehearsals, (2) the performance – live encounters between and among performers and audiences and (3) beyond the theatre – digital engagements in the classroom and pedagogy. The article contributes new concepts and new ways of thinking about science education, the role of digital technology in pedagogy, dance/theatre public engagement and community arts practices as practices of healing, health and resilience.