DIG 2025: Two Destination Language - Bottoms (Bulgaria/Scotland)

Part of Tramway's Dance International Glasgow festival, 9 - 24 May

Wednesday 14 May - 8.30 - 9.30pm*
Thursday 15 May - 7.30 - 8.30pm

Conjuring a joyous freedom, Bottoms’ five dancers seek refuge from the present-day world in fragments of a wild dance forged in the Industrial Revolution. The can-can. With crisps. And cava. 

*DOUBLE BILL TICKET*
Pay just £20/£16 to see this show and Omar Rajeh - Dance is not for Us on Wednesday 14 May. BOOK HERE

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What with all the floods, fires, and wars, capitalism’s advertised suggestion of a relaxing cuppa doesn’t seem to be working anymore. Still, you’ve got to try: here we are, with the can-can, crisps and cava, gathered to defy the storms outside and work up a sweat for your entertainment. 

In a landscape of velvet drapes and Victorian underskirts, Bottoms' five dancers conjure a refuge from the world outside in fragments of a dance forged in the Industrial Revolution.

Two centuries ago, workers broke social norms to let off steam with wild displays of physical prowess, which became the famous can-can beloved of cabarets. 

Riffing on this exuberance, Bottoms explores the roots of the can-can to question how creativity is valued.  Despite the state of the world. And despite the increasingly wild price of a pint! 

A new work commissioned for DIG from the award-winning Two Destination Language’s Alister Lownie and Katherina Radeva, working with a team of collaborators from across the UK.

Recommended for ages 12+

ACCESS
Audio Described
British Sign Language Interpreted
Particularly good for Subpacs (contact Tramway to request)

AUDIENCE NOTES
Loud noise/music. Flashing lights.
Intermittently visible buttocks.
Performers consume alcohol.

CREDITS
Created by Katherina Radeva and Alister Lownie (Two Destination Language) with
Laïla Diallo
Nicki Hobday
Rachel Krische
Craig Manson
Sita Pieraccini
Lighting by Martin Langthorne
Production management Craig Fleming

Co-commissioned by DIG with support from FABRIC, Creative Scotland and Tramway Glasgow.

Development support by Arts Council England, The Place London,  Yorkshire Dance, Battersea Arts Centre and MAYK.

Photo by Beth Chalmers for Two Destination Language