Behind Closed Doors (the dance film and web project), was something totally new for us. We had created physical production before but nothing like this. The idea was conceived during the Covid 19 pandemic, with everyone in self-isolation. Thus, creating and presenting a work of such nature was challenging for us. How do we present this work to audiences online but more still, how do we charge for the show? These were some of the questions that were tossed around during the creation of the dance film and also the whole project. In the end, the message of the project (social isolation and loneliness amongst the elderly) was more important. Hence, we decided to do it as a web-based project and free of charge!

Filming the dance sequence was another challenge. As we had 6 different dancers, we had to film them individually in their own house during the pandemic because of the restrictions. In the end we completed the filming and presented the dance film together with the website https://www.mdt-behindcloseddoors.org.

Even though Maya Dance Theatre have been around for more than 15 years, we still consider ourselves to be novices, always finding ways to try out new things and experiment within our works. So much so, that for the first time in 2021, we decided to create a hybrid style (physical and digital) production entitled PANCHA-Less & Lesser. With the success of this production, we will continue with a similar format (hybrid) style of presentation for some time to come. It’s not about jumping on the bandwagon but to adapt or die!” – Imran Manaff (Producer/ co-creator)

It has been almost 2 years since the launch of the dance film, Behind Closed Doors. It still feels like yesterday when I sat down together with the team and discussed the topic. I am truly glad that I was able to work with a bunch of dedicated, creative and loving people that were willing to be part of the making of Behind Closed Doors. As a team, we try to use different disciplines such as dance, movement, sound and poetry to bring out the social messages.

This work reflects the social isolation among elderly in Singapore. However, this issue actually happens in all countries. Hence, this dance film serves as a reminder for all of us to pay more attention to this issue and how and what can we do to enhance the relationship between the young and old generation.

Eva Tey, concept creator/ choreographer & dance artist

Book your place at HOST https://www.danceeast.co.uk/workshops/host-2022-lets-create/