Stolen Voices. Seaham

Stolen Voices Seaham used an original research method based on eavesdropping and listening practices developed by Dr Rebecca Collins and Dr Johanna Linsley to write text for performance and deliver a live performance piece. The work featured a new musical composition. Collins and Linsley transferred their research methodology to work with Newcastle-based composer Mariam Rezaei to create a new musical composition. This work was funded by Arts Council England and supported by Sound & Music, Helix Arts and East Durham Creates. Circulation of Stolen Voices outputs has been designed to respond to one of the central research questions of the project: how can eavesdropping be used as a method for dissemination that takes into account and complicates notions of the ‘local’, ‘national/international’, ‘art audiences’ and ‘community engagement’? The range of outputs itself is a response to this question. The two site-specific (Seaham and Aberdeen) performance works were designed with and for community members, with materials gathered through a process of formal public workshops, meetings, interviews, archival research and more informal modes of hanging out and listening in.