Thinking about participating in HABITAT? Read our FAQs to find out more

If you’ve seen our recent announcements about the Mayfest 2022 programme, you may have noticed that we’re calling out for people to join in with the UK premiere of HABITAT, by the Austrian choreographer Doris Uhlich; a late-night naked dance utopia in an empty shopping centre

HABITAT is an experience you will never forget. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be part of something truly profound and memorable. An invitation to celebrate the beauty and difference of the human body, in a performance with up to 70 people from all walks of life.

If you’re thinking about participating, we thought it might be useful to provide some FAQs, which might help you understand the project a little better.

After reading this, you may have more questions. Is so, you can either comment below and we will respond, or send an email to diana@mayk.org.uk.

What is HABITAT?

HABITAT is a joyful, energetic, captivating large-scale participatory performance involving up to 70 naked participants. It is created by the Austrian choreographer Doris Uhlich. For Mayfest, HABITAT will be performed after hours at The Galleries shopping centre over two nights. 

How long is the performance?

The performance lasts two hours. It will start at 8.30pm on Saturday 29 and Sun 30 May 2022.

What will it be like performing in The Galleries?

The Galleries will be closed to the public during the performances, so only participants and audience members will be present. It will take place in various parts of the shopping centre, and the audience will be free to move around. We’ll make sure that there is private space for you to get ready and there will be plenty of things to keep you warm. We’ll also make sure the floor is clean prior to the performance.

What happens in the performance?

The best way to get a sense of the performance is to watch this trailer, which was filmed in Austria. There will be lights and sound – the choreography is accompanied by a live DJ. 

Is being naked essential to participate in HABITAT?

Yes, for the final performances you will be fully naked. As part of the workshops before the performance, you will work with Doris to get comfortable not wearing clothes. It can be a big deal, and so part of the process is about taking the time to get used to being naked. Doris has staged HABITAT a number of times and will work with participants to make sure everyone feels comfortable and safe. During rehearsals at The Galleries, you are welcome to wear shoes.

Will I have to be in physical contact with other participants?

Yes. There will be physical contact between participants as part of the performance.

What COVID-19 procedures do you have in place?

If you are able to do, we would encourage you to do regular lateral flow tests. You are also more than welcome to wear a mask during rehearsals. The rehearsal space and performance space will be well ventilated and audiences will be asked to wear masks. If you have any symptoms, please don’t attend the workshops or performances.

Will the workshops and performances be accessible?

Both the performance and rehearsal space will be fully accessible. We will respond to any specific access needs and questions in the best way we can, and this will be a personal approach to make sure everyone has what they need to participate fully.

Will the performance be recorded and screened in the future?

No, but we may film and photograph the performance for archival purposes. If we use any footage in future publicity, we will make sure that you are not identifiable. 

Why is this a voluntary opportunity?

The opportunity is open to anyone – non-professional and professional – who can volunteer their time, and we acknowledge that this means taking part might not be possible for everyone. HABITAT needs a lot of people to make the performance happen, and this means it’s impossible to pay everyone a full daily/weekly rate. Each participant will be offered an honorarium to cover their expenses.  

What’s the workshop and rehearsal schedule?

Mon 23rd May, 1pm to 5pm, Fyfe Hall, Trinity Community Arts
Tue 24th May, 1pm to 5pm, Fyfe Hall, Trinity Community Arts
Wed 25th May, 2pm to 4.30pm, Fyfe Hall, Trinity Community Arts
Wed 25th May, 6.30pm to 9.30pm, The Galleries
Thur 26th May, 2pm to 4.30pm, Fyfe Hall, Trinity Community Arts
Thur 26th May, 6.30pm to 9.30pm, The Galleries
Fri 27th May, 2pm to 4.30pm, Fyfe Hall, Trinity Community Arts
Fri 27th May, 6.30pm to 9.30pm, The Galleries
Sat 28th May, 8:30pm to 10.30pm - Show 1, The Galleries
Sun 29th May, 8:30pm to 10.30pm - Show 2, The Galleries

Ideally you can attend all the workshops, but appreciate that you may have other things that mean you can’t make them all. If you’re selected to take part, you can let us know if there are any times you are unavailable.