Sarah Hopfinger presents Pain And I, a bold and intimate audio piece, exploring the complexities of chronic pain experience through autobiographical text, sound and music at Tramway.

What does it mean to care for our bodies, ourselves, and each other in times of personal and collective pain? After a critically acclaimed world premiere at the Fringe with Made In Scotland (2022), Pain and I by Sarah Hopfinger is touring Scotland. A bold exploration into chronic pain experience, Pain and I unashamedly celebrates the rich complexities of living with pain. Layering playful choreography, experimental dance, intimate autobiographical text and original classical music composition by Alicia Jane Turner, Hopfinger asks: ‘What can pain teach us?’ in this powerful, honest, and compelling solo performance.

A diversely accessible body of work, Pain and I can also be experienced as an audio piece, a graphic score (designed by Michaela Pointon & Rachel O’Neill), and a new installation (designed by Rachel O’Neill).

Access
British Sign Language Interpreted and Integrated. BSL Interpretation by Rachel Amey.
All Performances are relaxed
A graphic score and audio piece are available on demand.

Audience notes
Contains nudity, and one track of music is loud – optional ear defenders recommended.
Recommended for ages 16+

Creative Team
Created and performed by Sarah Hopfinger
Music and Sound Design by Alicia Jane Turner
Dramaturgy and Movement Direction Laura Bradshaw
Lighting Design Michaella Fee
BSL Interpretation Rachel Amey
Publication design by Rachel O’Neill and Michaela Pointon, with images by Brian Hartley
Audio piece and Graphic score designed by Michaela Pointon & Rachel O’Neill

Produced by Stories Untold
Film by Lucas Chih-Peng Kao
Production images by Tiu Makkonen