In co-presentation with the University of Birmingham

Featuring University of Birmingham String Ensemble

BULLYACHE (Courtney Deyn and Jacob Samuel) choreograph, direct, score and conceptualise spectacular original works. For this performance they will be joined by famed drag queen and pianist Barbs and dancer Oscar Li, to present their unique mix of pop culture, classical text and opera. 

WHO HURT YOU? takes place outside Barbs home, where she lives with her two backing dancers and continues to perform her Vegas show to anyone who happens to pass by. Lost in a state of traumatised amnesia after a long run on the Blackpool pleasure beach strip, the performers-cum-directors exploit their trauma to its inevitable conclusion, each vying for the spotlight. A reality where physical space has broken down, the theatres have closed, no money is left, but people still drag themselves to perform, even if it’s in a car park.

Layering, contrasting and moving between art and performance, WHO HURT YOU? is constructed from BULLYACHE’s shared physical language and rich sonic worlds to create an unforgettable sequence of images in movement.

This performance has been developed as part of the University of Birmingham’s Sounding Change Artists Residencies programme, hosted by the Department of Music. For more information, visit www.bham.ac.uk/soundingchange

WHO HURT YOU? is supported by Abderiham Crickmay Charitable Settlement, Arts Council England, Britten Pears Arts, Bold Tendencies, ENOA, EU Creative Europe, FABRIC, Sounding Change, University of Birmingham & Wayne McGregor