Social Experiment
6 February 2025 Programme
→ artists · programme · entry · access · credits Updated 7 February 2025
A Social Experiment on 6 February, presented by Word of Warning + Contact
Artists
Harley Keasey · J. Edgar Staubsauger · Rachael Gooch · Ray Bubbles · plus special guests Malandra Jacks
Programme
February’s event kicks off at 6pm with durational pieces from Rachael and Harley, followed by short performances from J. Edgar and Ray, and guest appearance by Malandra Jacks. Now it’s over, see images from the event.
Rachael Gooch · An evening with
Taking a look behind closed doors at how we act when we think no one is watching.
Representing myself raw, unrefined, uncensored. What happens when the private is mediated in the public domain? Simultaneously unbridled and contained. Are you watching me become my most true version of myself — or watching me slowly descend into madness?
Rachael is a North West artist & theatremaker, in her final year at UCLan studying Theatre & Performance.
Insta @rach.elliot
Harley Keasey · Suff(e)rage!
If a woman has to suffer, does that make her a sufferagette?
A durational performance art piece exploring the ongoing difficulties and injustices faced by women in society over the past 125 years.
This interactive happening is in honour of the women that have endured and fallen victim to the pains that are placed in the ‘responsible’ hands of the governmental and justice systems — whilst they may suffer, we will stand with them.
Harley is a feminist performance artist and community practitioner based between the North West and West Midlands. Her work primarily explores the range of challenges faced by women in society through Live Art, multimedia, spoken word, and clowning. Harley is a strong woman who takes inspiration from other strong women and unheard voices to create socially engaged performance.
harleykeasey.co.uk · Fb Harley Keasey · Insta @harleykeasey_pa · X @harley_keasey
J. Edgar Staubsauger · The Peculiar Case of Dr Jekyll & the Hyde Family
Henry Jekyll is a respectable man of science, a good neighbour, and a regular churchgoer. But recently he has begun using experimental drugs to become something very different…
So begins a seedy double life, with the mild-mannered gentleman unleashing a series of outlandish alter-egos in order to live out his dormant desires.
Will these monstrous forces consume him — or will society itself be forced to adapt to this outrageous new being? All will be revealed…
Mr Staubsauger has long been an enigma, a sinister force lurking in the shadows of the art world. Now he has emerged into the daylight to reveal himself…
website · Insta @jedgarstaubsauger
Ray Bubbles · The Ultimate Bubble Show — teaser
A mesmerising and thrilling experience that pushes the boundaries of bubble artistry. With a dazzling mix of science, creativity, and spectacle, this teaser will feature jaw-dropping bubble creations — from a tornado inside a bubble to a soap bubble carousel. Expect gravity-defying tricks, interactive demos, and the chance step up to make some bubbles of your own…
Ray is an innovative soap bubble artist creating unique, high-energy performances in science centres and theatres across Europe. He is constantly exploring new methods to push the boundaries of soap bubble artistry and is always seeking new opportunities to showcase his artistic talent and contribute to the world of science entertainment.
parisbubbles.com · Bsky @parisbubbles.bsky.social · Fb Parisbubbles · Insta @parisbubbles · X @ParisBubblesFR
Malandra Jacks (special guests) · Working Class Bingo
With Mancunian charisma and wit, Chloe & Josh host an interactive excerpt from their award-winning Census — a show that unpicks the complexity of present-day working-class identity and celebrates their North Manchester community of Moston & Harpurhey.
(Winner of Best Performance at Manchester Culture Awards 2024).
Passionate about people and creativity, Chloe Malandra & Josh Wilkinson founded Malandra Jacks as a creative organisation to share authentic stories through combined arts. Led by their passion for people and creativity, they create dynamic & socially engaged projects, live theatre, film, and installations.
malandrajacks.com · Fb MalandraJacks · Insta @malandra_jacks · X @MalandraJacks
Entry
FREE: there’s no ticketing… just turn up!
Time: Thursday 6 February 2025, 6pm onwards (ends by about 9pm).
Location: Contact (space 0 & bar), Oxford Rd, Manchester M15 6JA.
Access
Age Advisory: 16+ (aimed at adults, parent/guardian/carer discretion).
Content Warnings: some works involve interaction and/or participation; specific warnings listed here.
Features: five Live Art & contemporary performance works with varied content.
NB works occur on Contact’s step-free ground floor in space 0 & bar, and vary in format — they could be immersive, participatory, roaming, seated, standing, spoken word, visual, etc.
Queries: please contact Contact via boxoffice@contactmcr.com
Credits
Social Experiment (Feb 2025) produced by hÅb; supported by Contact and using public funding by Arts Council England.