“It’s very experimental” - Savages detail plans for live performances at London’s Barbican

Later this week Savages are set to host two nights of performance at London’s Barbican. It’s just one event happening during ‘Station to Station: A 30 Day Happening,’ a month-long ‘living exhibition’ curated by American installation artist Doug Aitken. Over the course of the series there’s been a week-long joint studio session from artist Haroon Mirza and Factory Floor, a live film score performance by Spiritualized’s J. Spaceman, new audiovisual work by Turner Prize winning Martin Creed, and a residency from Mica Levi of Micachu & The Shapes.

For Savages’ contribution, they’re teaming up with Pop Noire label-mates A Dead Forest Index and dance choreographer Fernanda Muñoz-Newsome. Their event takes place over two nights on the 24th and 25th of July. They’ll also appear live in conversation with presenter and writer Ben Eshmade.

“There’s an aspect of contemporary dance to it,” Savages’ Gemma Thompson told us, speaking about the nature of Savages’ upcoming Barbican shows. “Doug Aitken originally did ‘Station to Station’ in North America, and it was basically taking this creative troupe on a train from station to station. We played the show in Oakland, California, and now he’s doing the event again at the Barbican.”

“It’s very site specific,” she goes on, speaking in more detail about what Savages have planned. “The Barbican is a building that has a real spirit to it that means quite a lot to us, and they offered us this beautiful space with a pillar smack in the middle. They said do whatever you want.”