Notes of Self — James Batchelor

— Expressionism for all ages

A solo in many voices: Notes of Self is an intimate blend of intellect and emotion that opens new pathways to dance for children and adults alike. Playful, surprising, and full of movement, the choreography welcomes young audiences, including those who may never have been to the theatre before, while inviting adults into a fresh dialogue with the radical spirit of expressionist dance.

Notes of Self is inspired by Batchelor’s research into the diasporic history of expressionist dance in Australia and his year-long residency in a primary school in Berlin through Initiative LUNA PARK. Century-old avant-garde tradition meets the spontaneous movements of children and creates a performance that is both historically aware and radically present.

Children’s perspectives have influenced not only the movement but also the dramaturgy: what they notice, what draws them in, what they remember. The result is a solo that becomes a conversation across generations, bodies, and ways of seeing.

Designed for audiences of all ages, this performance welcomes both seasoned dance enthusiasts and curious first-timers, including children of any age, who are invited to see themselves reflected in its energy and imagination.

Lead Artist, Choreographer, Performer James Batchelor
Dramaturg & Producer Bek Berger
Composer Morgan Hickinbotham
Light Design Veslemøy Rustad Holseter
Costume Design Cote Jaña Zuñiga

This project has been Fringe Funded, as part of XS with thanks to Daniel Besen. A production by James Batchelor and Collaborators in co-production with Sophiensæle. Originally funded by Fonds Darstellende Künste, co-produced by the Initiative LUNA PARK e.V. as part of the program LUNAPARK.Residency Fellowships, supported by the Berlin Senate Department for Culture and Social Cohesion.