THE PERFORMANCE

The Chair was first developed during lockdown in 2020 as part of series of workshops with Lise Boucon and Ash McNaughton. When the opportunity to present a work as part of The Place Resolution 24 festival of new choreography, I decided to show The Chair.

The first performance of The Chair was performed at the Resolution 24 Festival at The Place 2 February 2024 and in July 2025 at Wavelengths Performance Festival

‘I have been speaking about the subject matter to many people and I was surprised how many like me had first had experience of friends and family who have taken their own life. So I thought this is something that we don’t often talk about but something we should …

So where possible we will have a post show discussion about the issues raised in this work ‘

Terry Smith

THE CHAIR

The Chair is a solo performance that delves into the complex emotions of loss, memory, and acceptance. Created by writer and director Terry Smith and developed in collaboration with performer Lise Boucon, this carefully choreographed production unfolds without the use of words or music, relying solely on movement and expression to convey a profound narrative.

As the audience enters the theatre, their attention is drawn to a solitary empty chair placed on the stage, facing them expectantly. A performer emerges from the back of the stage and approaches the chair, standing by its side. What ensues is a series of repetitive movements, actions and gestures that hint at the presence of an unseen figure, exploring emotions ranging from joy and nostalgia to frustration and sorrow.

Through a gradual progression of movements, the performer navigates a journey of recollection and reflection, physically moving slower down the length of the performing area. Eventually reaching a powerful realisation: the revelation of a suicide and an irreversible loss. This climactic moment confronts both the performer and the audience with the harsh truth that some wounds cannot be healed, and some absences cannot be filled.

The Chair mixes performance, dance and physical theatre inviting viewers to witness a an exploration of grief and acceptance.

The Chair was first developed between lockdowns. The piece was first performed at the Resolution 24 Festival at The Place 2 February 2024 as part of a triple bill.

There will be a post-performance talk after the show.

Technical Specs:

Black-box or studio theatres, in the round