107231/Z/15/Z: Electric Dreams

Project Summary:Based on the ideas in Naomi Kleins seminal book, The Shock Doctrine, Electric Dreams is a compelling new state-of-the nation play from Dumbshow about the power of shock. Electric Dreams interrogates how shocks have been exploited throughout history on both a personal and societal level. Through presenting a fictional story based on the life of Gail Kastner, who was the subject of experimental mind-control treatments by Dr Ewen Cameron at Canadas McGill University in the 1950s, Electric Dreams explores what happens to human beings when they are placed into a state of shock. A group of newly-redundant British librarians grappling with the dismantling of the welfare state narrate Gails story using text, video projection and live music. Dumbshow will tell a personal story to highlight a public issue: are we currently in a state of shock, and if so, how can we become shock resistant? Working with Professor Hilary Marland from Warwick University and practicing psychiatrist Dr Rory Conn , Electric Dreams will explore the history and context surrounding Dr Camerons experiments. It will examine the ethical questions that underpinned his work and apply that thinking to the body politic. Combining Dumbshows trademark storytelling style with urgent contemporary issues, Electric Dreams will be a vibrant and bold examination of modern Britain, which challenges current dogmas and invites us to consider a different path.

Grant Holder:Mr Michael Bryher

Organisation:Miscellaneous London

Financial Year:2014/2015