Stopgap Dance Company’s acclaimed production, Lived Fiction, has been nominated for a Sky Arts Award in the Dance category, alongside renowned works by Lost Dog and Nederlans Dans Theatre / Complicite.
A silhouetted shot of Monique, a short statured Black woman in her manual wheelchair. Facing the right side, she leans backwards over the backrest of her chair, her head tipping and chin proudly lifted. Behind her a bright golden light shines and catches on wisps of smokey haze, the backlight almost completely silhouettes her but there small glimpses of her brown toned vest and trousers. The wheels of her chair throw curving shadows on the dance floor in front of her. Photo by Chris Parkes
Watch the award ceremony
The Sky Arts Awards will be broadcast from the Roundhouse in London, hosted by Bill Bailey, on Tuesday 16th September at 9pm. The ceremony will be available for free on Sky Arts Channel and Freeview.
Stopgap’s team members Christian, Nadenh, Lucy G, and Laura will be attending the event, with updates shared on Stopgap’s Instagram account on the night.
Statement from Stopgap's Executive Producer, Lucy Glover
A creative process that spanned 2 years, that brought together a diverse team of extraordinarily talented individuals has produced a work (Lived Fiction) that redefines the future of dance. The powerful impact it has on audiences is what makes it exceptional. It has been a personal joy to see the emotional responses from our audiences across the globe. They say it best… “Lived Fiction has changed me forever”.
Thank you to our funders and supporters particularly Arts Council England and European Research Council who made this possible.
In (yet another) moment in time where Disabled, Deaf and Neurodivergent peoples liberties and contributions are being debated, this performance is an act of advocacy and resistance. Fully charged with cultural and political significance “we no longer want to be invited to the table, but invite you to ours”.
To be recognised in the nominees for Sky Arts Award in Dance not only makes the case that aesthetics of access is central to creativity – it also recognises the vital contribution Disabled people make to wider society.
Stopgap would like to extend its congratulations to all nominees this year, and our deepest gratitude to Sky Arts and the judging panel for recognising Lived Fiction in the 2025 nominees for Dance category. It means a lot to Stopgap past and present and the community we celebrate.
Catch Lived Fiction Live
Our next performance of Lived Fiction is in London at Arts Depot on 20th November.
Book your tickets to this quietly revolutionary production
