My current choreographic practice is centred around the study of several threads of interest- the interfaces between embodied experience and human behaviour in relation to environment and architecture, and notions of presence, collectivity and individuality. Weaving these thematic interests into inter-disciplinary and collaborative practice, my work is often engaged with questioning the role of and relationship between the viewer and the performance, and finding ways to restructure the compositional relationship or hierarchies between various elements in a performance space. I tend to work with improvisation, and tasks based on ideas around physical response to a site, memory, image, texture, sensation, sound. I aim to create a distinct world in my performances and play around with the sense of time and space through the content and structure of the work. Through my experiences as a performer/deviser for other artists and in my own research, I have begun to explore the potential in making work for unconventional spaces or subverting the traditional performance space. I am interested in the struggle of trying to articule that which is at the liminal edge of our conscious understanding.

I am currently developing a project called Soliloquy which is supported by Arts Council England, The Works, and University College Falmouth

s o l i l o q u y

by Saffy Setohy

landed; I trace

shifting states

streaming memory

I break through reflection

to find my myths

s  o l i l o q u y  is a durational installation; it is an immersive environment,   a place where personal mythologies unravel through a tactile arrival in the  geology of Cornwall.  A collage of sound and moving image, the work invites you to trace your own way through fractured constellations of body and place.  

Created in reference to Virginia Woolf’s experimental play-poem, The Waves, s o l i l o q u y is performed by Cornwall-based dance artist Saffy Setohy, in collaboration with an exciting new collective of artists, including composer Nick Mott, video artist Charlotte Jackman-Bloom, and dramaturg Alicia Grace. 

 As a performer I have worked with artists including Angela Praed, Matthias Sperling and Andreya Ouamba, Henrietta Hale, Willi Dorner and this year performed Yvonne Rainers Trio A for the Move: Choreographing You exhibition at Londons Southbank Centre where I am currently an 'emerging artist in residence'.

My teaching experience encompasses contemporary (release-based) technique, and leading skills-based workshops in improvisation, choreography, and Laban theories for actors. I have worked with ages from infants to adults, from community to professional settings. I particularly enjoy teaching young adults (14+) and emerging professionals. I am currently an Associate Lecturer at Plymouth University and a Guest Lecturer at University College Falmouth.

I am the Dance Development Officer at The Works Dance and Theatre Cornwall where I enjoy supporting other professionals, the community and young people in their engagement with dance.