BRUTAL ECHO
Brutal Echo is a unique project that blends live performance and dance for camera, developed with deep community engagement and artistic collaboration. Originally conceived as a live performance commissioned by Back and Fill Margate, funded by Arts Council England in October 2020, Brutal Echo has evolved into a multifaceted work, encompassing both digital and site-specific live elements.
Project Evolution
The current iteration of Brutal Echo includes a dance for camera film and the sister project "Cliftonville Beats." Cliftonville Beats was a youth-led initiative where local young people worked alongside composer Tom Adams to create the original musical score. Participants contributed musical ideas through body percussion, spoken word, and other creative inspirations, such as rhythms in water, heartbeats, and poetry. These elements now form the soundscape for the dance film Brutal Echo, enhancing its visceral exploration of movement and environment.
The film features captivating performances by Anna Symes, Leon Williams, Hayden Gray—a rap artist—and dance students from Tango Margate, who bring the interplay of rhythm, Tango, and Brutalist architecture to life.
Live Performance and Adaptability
Brutal Echo originated as a small-scale dance performance and serves as a scaled-down, 'cousin' to show Tempered Rhythm. It was specifically designed to be performed at Brutalist architectural sites and can adapt to various settings. In its live version, two dancers explore percussion and Tango within the stark lines and pillars of concrete Brutalism. The performance examines ‘now,’ drawing connections between people and their environments, playing with the echo of movement and the linear aesthetic of Brutalist spaces. Minimal yet powerful, the piece invites audiences to reflect on the spaces we inhabit.
Leon Williams also leads audiences in learning 'Pattin Juba,' a historical body percussion style developed under slavery in the Americas. This participatory element highlights the historical links between African rhythms and Tango, enriching the audience experience.
Current Opportunities
Brutal Echo is now available for
Screenings of the dance for camera film
Live site-specific performances
Associated workshops, including body percussion, rhythm exploration, and Tango-based movement.
This project’s adaptability allows it to engage audiences in diverse settings—from festivals and schools to community spaces and outdoor environments. Its history as a commissioned piece and its deep roots in community participation make it a compelling choice for partners seeking innovative, socially-engaged work.
Creative Team
Tiago Gambogi - Choreographer
Anna Symes - Co-Choreographer, Dancer & Artistic Director
Leon Williams - Co-Choreographer, Dancer & Sound Designer
Tom Adams - Composer (Cliftonville Beats)
History and Impact
Brutal Echo began as part of the Back and Fill Margate festival, created as a response to the challenges faced by coastal towns. It brought together themes of resilience, connection, and creativity, inviting audiences to engage with their environment in new ways. The incorporation of young people’s voices and contributions through Cliftonville Beats has expanded its reach and relevance, offering fresh perspectives and fostering community pride.
Get Involved
Brutal Echo continues to inspire and evolve. Whether you are interested in hosting a screening, booking a live performance, or collaborating on workshops, we would love to work with you. This project exemplifies Round in Circles Productions’ mission to create socially-engaged, site-responsive works that bring people together through the power of dance and storytelling.
