Keswick’s Theatre by the Lake will see hologram technology used on stage in a new play tackling toxic beauty standards.
‘5 Years’ comes to the theatre on April 28 and 29 and aims to look at body dissatisfaction and the impact it has on mental health by asking the question – would you trade five years of your life for the perfect body?
In the new play, the possibility of this exchange is a reality and follows the story of Yasmin, a woman in her 30s who wants the exciting, glamorous life she has always dreamed of but that she feels her XXL body doesn’t fit.
Yasmin decides to undertake a procedure to trade life for a perfect body – but it comes at a cost.
As she waits for the doctor to arrive and ‘fix’ her she reveals her experiences and the messages she has received that have brought her to this drastic decision.
As part of the production, hologram technology is being used to visually explore body image thanks to leading digital technology developed by Sheffield Hallam University and hologram effects company Holotronica.
Leading writer and performer Hayley Davis said: “I’m really excited to bring this play to the stage. Although the subject matter is quite serious, it’s a funny and warm show that uses some really ambitious, innovative tech.
“As someone who has struggled with my own body image, I am very familiar with the damage that we can do to ourselves in the hope of measuring up to an ever shifting ideal of beauty. I think if more of us stopped and thought about it, we’d realise that our time could be better spent on pursuing other things.”
‘5 Years’ is a drama written by Hayley Davis, directed by Rebecca Gadsby and supported by Sheffield Theatres.
