In her eightieth year, Christine wondered if she might create her first show. Who says an octogenarian shouldn’t be working with stepladders, electronics… and water? A performance of persistence and joy, celebrating the beautiful functions and limits of a human body and the desire to make things happen. Assisted by her helper, Calum, Christine manipulates and raps her way along a precarious journey of movement and sound, taking us to surprising places. This is real, what happens along the way we can’t be sure. Just got to keep going! Programmed by Dance Base in collaboration with Assembly.
Part of Made In Scotland, These Mechanisms opens at Dance Base later this month
Would you mind giving us a brief insight into what your show/event/performance is?
These Mechanisms is a playful, unpredictable dance theatre performance — a precarious journey of movement, sound, and props, performed by Christine Thynne, with support from on-stage composer Calum Paterson.
Who says octogenarians shouldn’t be climbing stepladders, messing with electronics, and splashing around with water?
Tell us about the creative team and the process involved?
These Mechanisms is part of a progressive collaboration spanning over a decade between Christine Thynne and Robbie Synge, who have co-created the performance.
Christine is an emerging dance maker and sea kayaker, originally trained as a physiotherapist in the 1960’s. Based in Strathspey, Robbie’s work playfully explores connections with materials and human/non-human bodies of our world.
The spark for this show came from Christine’s love of sea kayaking, movement, and anatomy. What began as an exploration of how the outdoors could sneak into the studio evolved into a live performance brimming with risk, resilience, and joyful improvisation.
How does it feel coming to the Fringe?
Christine is delighted to be back performing at Dance Base – the home of dance at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival!
With shows from all over the world at the Fringe, what sets yours apart?
These Mechanisms is live, unpredictable, and powered by the fearless energy of an 82-year-old who defies every expectation. It’s surprising, funny, moving, and filled with moments where you might just forget to breathe. No two shows are the same – and neither is Christine!
Is there anything specific you’re hoping the audience will take away?
We hope they leave feeling inspired, curious, and asking: “How on earth did all that just happen?” Did Christine really do that?
Your Ideal audience is in attendance, who’s watching? Or more importantly – who isn’t…?
We’re excited to catch Balfour Reparations by the incredible Palestinian dancer, choreographer, and scholar, Farah Saleh, performing at Summerhall. Set in 2045, it’s a bold reflection on colonial legacy and a call to action for a better future. A must-see.
It’s an intense month, so where you’re able, how do you plan to relax, and are there any other shows you intend to see or want to recommend?
We’re excited to catch Balfour Reparations by the incredible Palestinian dancer, choreographer, and scholar, Farah Saleh, performing at Summerhall. Set in 2045, it’s a bold reflection on colonial legacy and a call to action for a better future. A must-see.
In your ideal world, how can we improve the Fringe, performance, and the industry?
Pay people fairly. Make tickets more affordable. Lower the cost of accommodation.
These Mechanisms runs at Venue 22a: Dance Base – DB3
Runs: August 9th – August 20th
Photo credit: Amy Sinead
Interested in being featured on our Have a Gander page? With many previews and Q&As lined up, we’re always happy to chat about including your show in future articles. Please do get in touch through the contact page to feature in an upcoming ‘Have A Gander’