A captivating dance for camera piece, performed by D/deaf dance artist Christopher Fonseca, engaging in conversation with Sir Jacob Epstein’s sculpture 'Adam' (1938).

Surface Area Dance Theatre (SADT) is North East England’s leading award-winning inclusive performing arts company. With a strong focus on accessibility and engagement, SADT plays a vital role in shaping and enriching the UK’s cultural heritage.

The film’s title, Anthos, derives from the Ancient Greek word ἄνθος “(Anthos),” meaning “flower”. This title symbolises the blossoming of artistic collaboration and explores themes of growth and transformation. The film’s scenography features movements filmed in dialogue with the sculpture of Adam, created by Sir Jacob Epstein in 1938, which is in the Great Hall and outdoors in the Himalayan sensory garden. This tranquil and picturesque setting enhances the film’s visual language and encourages audiences to connect nature with art.

Anthos highlights the exceptional talent of D/deaf dance artist Christopher Fonseca. His movement language is characterised by fluidity, precision, and emotional depth, creating a captivating dialogue that reflects the sensuality depicted in ‘Adam.’

In Anthos, we appreciate nonverbal language that stimulates meaningful discussions around identity, belonging, humanity, and the essence of life. Our unique perspective as movement specialists fosters an awakened dialogue between dance and sculpture and illuminates Epstein’s often-overlooked contribution to the emergence of Modernism in Great Britain.