The Democratic Set at MShed

A remarkable film that captures the heart and soul of a city and its communities

“Occasionally it’s like a dream sequence in a David Lynch film, disturbing, unstoppable…But mostly it’s full of laughter and hope." TIM ATACK, REALTIME

In 2018, 100 people from across Bristol collaborated with In Between Time and the world-renowned Australian Theatre Company Back to Back Theatre  to create a unique film of their city.

Disturbingly obvious and tantalisingly strange, THE DEMOCRATIC SET is an act of community in the form of a film. Created on a custom-made film set, a neutral room with two opposing doors, it creates a free space to be pushed, extended or manipulated, with each participant in full control over what they show us, what they do.

Between 11-13 October, THE DEMOCRATIC SET will be shown on loop at MShed (2nd floor, Life Gallery), following the film Premiere at Encounters Film Festival.

See MShed website for opening times.

Over the last 30 years Back to Back Theatre has made a body of work that questions the assumptions of what is possible in theatre, but also the assumptions we hold about ourselves and others.

Original Concept, Design & Direction: Bruce Gladwin / Design & Original Set Construction: Mark Cuthbertson / Original Videography: Rhian Hinkley / Developed with support from: The Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body, and the Victorian Government through Arts Victoria.

This project is part of We Are Bristol, a three-year programme which brings together international artists with the people of Bristol to create extraordinary artworks and events. We Are Bristol has been developed in partnership with Up Our Street, Knowle West Media Centre, Ambition Lawrence Weston and UWE with funding from the Paul Hamlyn Foundation and Bristol City Council.