Generation Z
The conversation around climate change is typically communicated through text, spoken word and debate. These mediums of expression can be challenging and daunting however, and often don’t reflect the physical visceral experiences of climate change. The residency project Generation Z will put the body centre-stage and bring together dance, philosophy, geography and environmental studies to explore the human experience of climate change.
Photo courtesy of Paul Seaby
The residency, based on new collaborations across the Departments of Philosophy and Geography at King’s, will focus on migration and environmental ethics. One area that Sivan Rubinstein and Dr Sarah Fine are interested in exploring is the question of which voices are centred and which are marginalised within a conversation, and how this can affect the outcomes of that conversation. This residency will look at how the debate around climate migration is affected and enriched by centring the voices of Generation Z (those born from the mid-1990s that have Internet technology readily available at a young age).
Through lectures, seminars and student interaction, the project will provide an opportunity for Sivan to gather and inform primary research. This research will then form the foundation for the development of a dance piece, Dance No 2˚, as well as workshops and other participatory activities for King’s students. The project team hope to forge critical connections with Generation Z students, who they see as future influencers and pivotal in shaping responses to climate change. The project also seeks to examine the ways in which philosophical ideas can be communicated effectively via movement, performance, sound and visual arts.
Sivan Rubinstein is a choreographer based in London. Using social and cultural themes, Sivan’s work questions and explores the world around us. Her work is deeply rooted in collaboration with different artists and art forms whilst keeping body language central to her investigations.
After completing her BA at Trinity Laban, Sivan furthered her choreography by showcasing performances at Lilian Baylis Studio, The Richard Attenborough Centre, The Place, JW3 and Dance4, amongst other festivals around Europe. In 2015, Sivan was awarded the title of 'Exceptional Artist' by the Israeli Ministry of Culture while returning to Israel to teach and develop her work. She is part of 'Pivot Dance' which is a three-year project looking at the value of creating dance performances in consultation with audiences, artists and producers funded by the Creative Europe Programme of the European Union. She is also a member of the Swallowsfeet Collective who develop, curate and produce the OOPS Festival (Brighton).
Dr Sarah Fine is a Senior Lecturer in Philosophy at King’s. She studied for an undergraduate degree at the University of Cambridge and then received her MPhil and DPhil from the University of Oxford. Before joining the Department of Philosophy, Sarah was a Research Fellow at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge.
Sarah specialises in political philosophy and ethics, with an interest in philosophy and the arts. Her main areas of research to date focus on the philosophy of migration and borders, as well as questions about methods in philosophy.