For his new work commissioned by Sadler's Wells, Alexander Whitley takes inspiration from the stunning images and data produced by solar science research in a collaboration with scientists from STFC RAL Space.
With a specially created score by Daniel and an installation of high-definition imagery from BAFTA award-winning visual artist Tal Rosner, 8 Minutes creates a striking, immersive environment of dance, music and film to illuminate our relationship with the star that gives us life.
A former Choreographic Affiliate of The Royal Ballet and commissioned by Rambert, BalletBoyz, Birmingham Royal Ballet and Candoco, Alexander has developed a rapidly growing reputation for ambitious and intricately crafted work including his 2016 groundbreaking interactive digital work, Pattern Recognition.
The 8 Minutes project also incorporates an innovative Creative Learning Programme with workshops for local students following the production's tour and an intensive residency programme aimed at students in Year 5 (aged 9–10 years). Created with input from RAL Space scientists and the artists team, the workshops will draw on the creative process around the making of 8 Minutes, combining artistic and scientific concepts to explore the parallels between the two.