Rules for Safe Lifting is the first full length solo work John-William began developing in February 2024; supported by Phoenix Dance Theatre and The Middle Floor.
The new work began as an imagined reality of a lonely figure pictured within a health and safety poster I found in the basement of Sadler’s Wells; of a man demonstrating how to lift a box correctly.
Hued by themes of loneliness, monotony and inevitability this surreal, darkly-comedic character portrait explores the bizarre life of a person who’s entire existence is based upon executing one simple task.
Concept, Creation & Performance: John-William Watson
Supported by: Phoenix Dance Theatre & The Middle Floor
Photography by Jorden Brooks
Trailer
“There was blood on the saddle and blood all around, and a great big puddle of blood on the ground.
A cowboy lay in it all covered with gore,
and he never will ride any broncos no more.”
— Tex Ritter / Blood on the Saddle