ROBBIE SYNGE

Based in the Cairngorms, Scotland, Robbie Synge makes performance, film, objects and other things rooted in choreographic thinking around the body and its meeting with people and the natural and built environment.

Robbie originally studied BSc (Hons) Physiology at Edinburgh University (2001), before working for several years in the science, health and education sectors in the UK and abroad. His movement-based practice was founded in b-boying, skateboarding and martial arts practice before much later studying on the Postgraduate Certificate: Dance in the Community programme at Laban, London (2009).

Reflecting his own research and creative project interests, Robbie has worked regularly in performance of a participatory nature with young people and adults. Highlights include Rosemary Lee’s Common Dance (2009) and Fevered Sleep’s Men and Girls Dance (2016).

His own practice in recent years has pursued a focus on physical and choreographic potentials of the body, often involving object or architectural elements, and manifesting in a number of performances in theatre and public spaces and through other mediums. Settlement (2012) was commissioned by The Place, London, for The Place Prize. Douglas (2014) was commissioned by Yorkshire Dance, since presented across the UK and wider Europe and was part of the Aerowaves network selection for 2016, and continues to tour.

In 2017–18 Julie & Robbie, an ongoing work in collaboration with London-based performing artist Julie Cleves, will build on recent developments in object design and multiple forms of audience encounter/sharing.

Ensemble (working title) sees the continued collaboration with Lucy Boyes and Edinburgh-based performers Judy Adams, Damian Killeen and Christine Thynne that hopes to challenge expectations around age and professionalism in performance, and its context of presentation.

Based in a rural setting that both informs and supports his practice, Robbie has a strong interest in encouraging alternative design of centralised and city-based institution expectations and initiatives, and the opportunity for activity and development out-with the city involving professional artists in connection with local communities.