Proper Time uses the physics of space time and disabled experiences of time to challenge, disrupt and mess with normative concepts of time. Working with texture, materiality and scale, our guiding questions have been:
If were really understood another person’s time, could we build a bridge to it?
Could we, as a collective of artists with invisible disabilities, chronic illness or lived experience of chronic illness, create a devising model that supports us to make work without hurting ourselves?
Using a remote and in-person correspondence model, the project will share stories of and create space for disabled experiences of time. The process will centre care and rest, and explore the ‘stretch’ and ‘temporality’ of a long form residency.
Part science lecture - part live music gig - part movement - part theatre. Proper Time will consider what can be made when you don’t have to push through pain and fatigue to make it.
We are looking for partnerships to realise the finished work in Autumn 2026. For more details, or to find out how you can support the work email uncharteredcollective@gmail.com
Anna, a performer wearing a white face mask speaks into a microphone. Close up of a hole punched metallic strip being twisted in space, lit by an overhead projector, then it's silhouette twisting on the wall. A wide shot of the space: a desk on either side, angle poise lamps, the clutter of a rehearsal space. Close up of Jamie, the musician, speaking. Laura clicks her fingers, directing movement. The light switches on and off rhythmically - catching three performers in different poses. White balloons tumble into shot. Laura and Raquel sit shoulder to shoulder, speak to camera. A blue shape spins on the wall, close up of a hand and pen writing on the projector. Anna speaks to camera, outside. Four people blocking material, rehearsing. Textures in close up - string on a table, hairy string blown up in silhouette on the wall, hands playing the violin. Wide shot: a performer sits on the floor, another sits behind a desk, BSL interpreter on the right. Shadow of a pen on the wall, drawing a diagram: triangles, curved lines. Jamie’s shadow as he plays the violin. Raquel dancing against the wall, small shifts, staccato rhythm.
Full Research & Development team credits:
Raquel Meseguer Zafe - Lead artist, writer & performer
Jamie McCarthy - Collaborator, composer & performer
Anna Starkey - Collaborator, writer & performer
Laura Dannequin - Dramaturg & outside eye
Drew Bachelor - Lead creative technologist
Robin Thorn - Creative technologist
Finn Macneill - Technical support & studio access support
Linzy Na Nakorn - Creative audio description
Rhiannon Colvin - MA placement
Jazz Thompson - Live scribe
Keycreationz - Photography
Nikki Harris - BSL interpreter
Josephine Gyasi - Producer, MAYK
Produced by MAYK
Supported by a Level Centre Residency, and rehearsal space in kind from Bristol Old Vic.
Supported by Arts Council England Grants for the Arts Awards.