A new dance-theatre show exploring voyeurism and the power dynamics in relationships, inspired by Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo
Alfred Hitchcock’s film Vertigo is an all-time classic film noir, exploring the uncomfortable relationship between protagonists Scottie Ferguson and Judy Barton played by titans of cinema James Stewart and Kim Novak. A masterpiece in voyeurism, gender roles and sensuality on screen.
Real-life couple and creators Jim Manganello (Movement director, Scottish tours of Morna Young’s Lost at Sea and Scottish Opera’s Elixir of Love) and Lucy Ireland take Hitchcock’s film and its characters as inspiration behind Shotput’s new dance-theatre piece, Ferguson and Barton, touring Scotland in September and October 2022.
Ferguson and Barton is a moody mix of dance, film and razor-sharp dialogue which explores the subtle power dynamics of Jim and Lucy’s own relationship and asks “Can we ever really know the person closest to us?… Would we want to?”
With video design by Rob Willoughby and design by Anna Yates, Ferguson and Barton exudes the style and frissance of 1950s film noir, with a nod to the Netflix generation.
In addition to Ferguson and Barton touring to theatres across Scotland in Autumn 2022, special screenings of Vertigo will be programmed in venues before shows, allowing audience members less familiar with the film to watch, or rewatch Hitchcock’s inspiration piece.
Accompanying the tour, Shotput are also producing a three-part podcast, discussing transitioning from theatre-making to filmmaking, video in live performance, and dance on screen. Guests include Adura Onashile (Medea, NTS; Expensive Shit), The Motion Dance Collective, and Shotput’s Associate Artist Rob Willoughby.
Ferguson and Barton is made in association with Platform and Perth Theatre. Supported by Cumbernauld Theatre.
Ferguson and Barton Listings
Saturday 17 September, 7.30pm – Cumbernauld Theatre, Cumbernauld
Saturday 24 September, 7.30pm – The Barn, Banchory
Tuesday 27 September, 7pm – Eden Court, Inverness
Friday 30 September, 7pm – Platform, Easterhouse
Tuesday 4 October, 7pm – Lyth Arts Centre, Lyth
Saturday 8 October, 7pm – Beacon Arts Centre, Greenock
Saturday 15 October, 7pm – Mareel, Shetland