Plastic Drastic Fantastic
Friend or foe? Remarkable or rubbish? Drawing on South Asian dance, this contemporary dance theatre work for families explores the wonders and woes of plastics.
Produced by Akademi, Plastic Drastic Fantastic explores our complex relationship with plastics – the fantastic possibilities they offer, as well as the drastic consequences to the environment.
The artists investigate plastics and the dangers of their misuse through intricate movement, gestures and play in this work choreographed by Subathra Subramaniam.
Akademi makes vibrant, fascinating, and meaningful South Asian dance. With care at the centre of all that they do, Akademi uses the compelling power of storytelling, rhythm and gestures to create deeper connections with each other and our wider world. Akademi has been the beating heart of South Asian dance in the UK since 1979.
Originally an Akademi and Polka Theatre co-production. The 2023 grant for the origination with the new cast is supported using public funding by Arts Council England.
Plastic Drastic Fantastic is a non-verbal dance piece and doesn’t include any spoken words. The artistic and technical team on the project worked closely with creative consultant for d/Deaf audiences Ramesh Meyappan in the development of the show.
Need to know
Every adult and child needs a ticket, except for babes in arms aged under 18 months at the time of the performance who don’t need their own seat.
This show uses amplified sound, flashing lights (not strobe) and haze.
The performance on Sunday 7 April at 11.30am is followed by a free post-show Q&A exploring the themes of the show. The discussion is open to ticket holders and begins shortly after the performance ends.
Access
This event is a Relaxed Performance (RP).
Relaxed Performances have a relaxed approach to noise and movement in the space, and you are free to enter and exit during the performances. A chill-out space and noise-cancelling headphones are available for both adults and children. There are no adjustments to sound and lighting for these performances.
Plastic Drastic Fantastic is a non-verbal dance piece and doesn’t include any spoken words. The dancers use their bodies, expressions and gestural movements to guide you through the performance.
This makes it accessible to a range of people, including d/Deaf and hard of hearing and non-English speakers or those with developing language and communication skills.
You can join our free Access Scheme through your online Southbank Centre account or via email.
Find out more about our Access Scheme
All our access information
For your visit
This event is held at the Purcell Room Southbank Centre
The Purcell Room is located in the Queen Elizabeth Hall, which is open from 90 minutes before events start until they finish. It’s closed at all other times.
Plan your visit
The Purcell Room is an auditorium located within our Queen Elizabeth Hall.
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Access
We’re working hard to remove barriers, so that our facilities and events can be accessible to as many people as possible.
All help points, toilets, performance and exhibition spaces at the Southbank Centre are accessible to all, as are the cafes, bars and restaurants. We also have excellent public transport links with step-free access.
All information about booking wheelchair spaces, step-free access, blue badge parking, access maps and guides and other help available whilst you’re here, including details about our Access Scheme, can be found on our Access page.
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