Introducing the Next Generation of Choreographers (2021)

“A comedian does funny things, a good comedian does things funny.”

- Buster Keaton

This movement portrait was commissioned by Sadler’s Wells their digital stage.

In John-William’s movement portrait, they embody an absurd heightened character, that is seemingly inhibited by the everyday locations they find them-self in. Using a wooden chair as means of interacting with their environment, Watson imagined an awkward individual who seemingly 'sits on top' of the world around them.

Taking their love of Buster Keaton as a spring board, Watson focused on playing with one simple “bit” or “gag” - a person and their chair - to it’s limits, with an unapologetic commitment to musicality, composition and character.

Concept, performance and choreography: John-William Watson Director: Jacob Sutton
Produced by Art Partner
Special thanks to Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui
Director of Photography: Oliver Dahmen
Editor:Tom Chick
Stylist: Karen Langley
All clothes by Prada
Hairstylist: Alfie Sackett
Make Up Artist: Marie Bruce
Audio Description: Eleanor Margolies
Music by Strauss Die Fledermaus Overture
Arranged and produced by Roman Seekirchner of Seekirchner GmbH
Conducted by Vladimir Kiradjiev
Shockwave Sound
This film was made possible with the support of Barclays