SITELINES presents Common Salt
An intimate, table top performance by Sheila Ghelani and Sue Palmer
Sunday 17 Nov, 2pm & 5pm
Common Salt is a performance around a table – a ‘show and tell’ - staged in one of Reading Museum's gallery spaces.
It explores the colonial, geographical history of England and India taking an expansive and emotional time-travel, from the first Enclosure Act and the start of the East India Company in the 1600s, to 21st century narratives of trade, empire and culture.
Sue and Sheila activate insights into our shared past, laying out a ‘home museum’ of objects and stories; of the Great Hedge of India, of borders, and collections – all accompanied by original Shruti box laments.
Common Salt is a reckoning; the interconnectedness between history and global power, artefact and trade, nature and memory is hidden in plain sight.
Common Salt is a collaborative work by artists Sheila Ghelani and Sue Palmer.
Common Salt is supported using public funds by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.
Developed with support from b-side and One Final Act by Rajni Shah Projects
Please note: this performance takes place at Reading Museum. Arrive at the main reception of Reading Town Hall & Museum where a member of staff will greet you.
Age guidance: 12+
Running time: 65 mins
There will be 20 minutes after the show for informal conversation with the artists, and for people to look closely at the objects on the table.
“Common Salt was pure magic tonight. Loved it. Gentle, mesmeric and darkly funny. Gorgeous.”
“Common Salt is an extraordinary … intricately-woven story of history and power and race and...oh so much more. Can't recommend it highly enough - a unique and unforgettable experience.”
