The Fabric of Us
The Fabric of Us is an outdoor work exploring what it means to be connected in an ever-divided world.
Featuring playful movement, a large white parachute, and a rich soundscape built from recorded interviews with over 100 people, The Fabric of Us uncovers the moments we meet, the stories we share, and the threads that hold us together.
At its core is a billowing white parachute - hidden at first, then gradually revealed. As it unfolds, it takes on different meanings and messages before being handed out to the audience. Together, we hold it, move with it, breathe with it - ducking under, rising above, running beneath, or resting on its surface.
The sound design is composed from warm, honest and reflective conversations with people across the North East of England. These voices evolve into beats, melodies and textures - local in origin, but internationally resonant in theme.
The Fabric of Us reminds us that some things simply can’t be done alone - like lifting a parachute, or building a community. It leaves audiences feeling uplifted and connected through the quiet power of moving together.
Co-creators + Performers: Lizzie Klotz, Luca Rutherford
Collaborator + Performer 2025: Ziza Patrick
Collaborator + Performer 2026: Benedicta Valentina Mamuini
Designer: Bethany Wells
Sound Designer: Jeremy Bradfield
Rehearsal Director: Anthony Lo-Giudice
Co-Producer: Aaron Bowman
Photographer: Amelia Read
Videographer: Alex Ayre
20 minutes, 2025
“It just goes to show how quickly something small can make you feel so good.”
“… that something so simplistic can have such a profound impact on the audience, and I think it did it so beautifully.”
“It felt like a really brilliant example of how you bring people in to an experience where you can all feel together and feel like you’re contributing to it.”
“It sort of sets permission for the audience then to get up and play, and everybody felt really uninhibited I think.”
With thanks to everyone who contributed to development of the project, including Stockton Baptist Church, St Thérèse of Lisieux Catholic Primary School, Northern School of Art, Northumbria University, Taste of Africa, We Are TS18, ARC Stockton, Curious Arts and Emily Wratten.
The Fabric of Us is commissioned by SIRF and TeesDance, using public funding by Arts Council England.