Saved events

Andrew Dawson: Absence and Presence

MimeLondon

— ,The Pit
A large shadow of a hand. A man stands with his back to the audience in front of a wire statue on a chair.

© Steve Smith

Poignant, inventive and profoundly affecting, this multi-media performance is a timeless meditation on loss, memory and the enduring presence of those we love.

When his father's body lay undiscovered for ten days in 1985, Andrew Dawson was left to confront a complex mixture of grief, guilt and love. Out of this deeply personal experience emerged a work of extraordinary emotional honesty. 

More than 20 years after its inception, Dawson revisits his award-winning production, bringing a deepened perspective to a work that will continue to resonate.

Blending moments of tenderness with wry humour, he explores the unique bond between father and son through a powerful language of unspoken intimacy, movement, sculpture, and video, underpinned by an evocative score from Joby Talbot. 

Tagged with: Theatre & dance Young Barbican MimeLondon 2027 More...

Duration: 60 minutes

Age guidance: 12+

Content warning:
This production features themes of grief and bereavement.

Post-show talk:
Thu 21 Jan
Free to same-day ticket holders.

Part of MimeLondon 2027
Life-sized puppets, poignant sculptures and a circus of dancing objects – MimeLondon returns with three visually striking productions.

Presented by the Barbican.

Supported by Arts Council England and Fabrik Potsdam.

Creative Team

  • Realised and performed by Andrew Dawson  
  • In collaboration with Jos Houben and Graham Johnston  
  • Andrew Dawson and Graham Johnston   Video
  • Andrew Dawson   Sculpture and Design
  • Joby Talbot   Music
  • Steve Smith   Lighting

Ticket prices

Standard
£21.50 (£20 + £1.50 transaction fee)

Reviews

‘'Astonishing, almost unbearably moving...'‘
The New York Times

You might also like

The Pit

Location
The Pit is located on Level -2 within the main Barbican building and can be accessed via the stairs or lifts on Level G, next to the doors to the Lakeside Terrace. 

Address
Barbican Centre
Silk Street, London
EC2Y 8DS

Public transport
The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.