Pain and I

Sarah Hopfinger

What does it mean to care for our bodies, ourselves, and each other in times of personal and collective pain? Pain and I is a bold exploration into chronic pain experience by Sarah Hopfinger which unashamedly celebrates the rich complexities of living with pain.

Layering playful choreography, experimental dance, intimate autobiographical text and original classical music composition by Alicia Jane Turner, Hopfinger asks: ‘what can pain teach us?’ in this powerful, honest, and compelling solo performance.

Cast & Creative Team

Creator and Performer - Sarah Hopfinger

Music and Sound Composition - Alicia Jane Turner

Graphic Score designers - Michaela Pointon & Rachel O'Neill, images Brian Hartley

Dramaturgy & Movement Direction - Laura Bradshaw

Originally Produced by - Laura Fisher

Production Assistants - Nell O'Hara & Shona McKay

Press - Joy Parkinson

Stage Manager - Lucy May Wilson

BSL Interpreter - Rachel Amey

Film Media - Lucas Chih-Peng Kao

Images - Tiu Makkonen

Artist Website

Upcoming Performances

8th* - 9th November 2023, Tramway, Glasgow

Book Tickets

11th November 2023, Universal Hall, Findhorn

Book Tickets

Past Performances

2023

4th - 19th March - Dundee Rep

April - The Place

2022

3rd - 28th August - Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Summerhall

*BSL performance

All Performances are relaxed
A graphic score and audio piece are available on demand.

Audience notes
Contains nudity, and one track of music is loud - optional ear defenders recommended.
Recommended for ages 16+

Experience the Graphic Score

Graphic Score

An access guide for audience members who would appreciate knowing in advance what to expect from the venue and live performance, and any potential sensory triggers will be available for all performances.

What People Are Saying

“A poetic... piece that reflects on the performer’s chronic pain not as enemy, as you might expect, but as an old friend. “

★★★★ The Guardian

“Extraordinary... every moment is a revelation... A vital personal work that exudes the universal.”

★★★★ - The List

“Accessible and affecting”

★ ★ ★ ★ Three Weeks

“Incredible... Hopfinger's words...have weight and nuance... raw, honest

★ ★ ★ ★ Hit The North Blog

“Simultaneously abstract and solid... beautiful show explores living with pain and caring for ourselves and others”

Lyn Gardner

“Accessibility is woven into the very DNA of the piece”Demonstrates the immense value of learning to be with that which you can’t leave – pain, grief, regrets

★ ★ ★ ★ Neurodiverse Review

“Accessibility is woven into the very DNA of the piece”