Combining photography, choreography and theatre to create striking and surreal images, Benji Reid has coined the term of choreo-photolist to describe himself: a practice where theatricality, choreography and photography meet in a single or series of images. His photography is a means to set up hyper-realities, conversations and to curate curiosities. Reid wants to move his generation to take a road less travelled.
The hit show he brings to Sadler’s Wells East, Find Your Eyes, was originally commissioned as part of Manchester International Festival 2023, before touring the world and returning to the city in May. It’s a look through the keyhole of Benji’s photography studio as he embarks audiences on an emotional rollercoaster where conflict meets beauty and opens up on some of the most moving episodes of his life. The show refers to abortion, medical emergencies, suicide, child neglect and addiction.
Drawing from the breadth of his life experiences, Reid explores vulnerability, tragedy and triumph through his photographer’s lens. He mixes Afro-futurist imagery with hard-hitting tales from his life and adventures, that unfold on the stage-turned-studio before the audience’s very eyes.
Find Your Eyes taps into Reid’s work both as an award-winning photographer and hip hop theatre pioneer – bringing dancers and photography into the fold to create images in real time.
