Daina Ashbee: Serpentine
Tramway and Dance North present Serpentine by Daina Ashbee.
Part of Glasgow International Festival of Contemporary Art's Open Programme.
Created and Choreographed by Daina Ashbee (Gabriola Island, CANADA), Serpentine, 2026, is an installation performance created by artist and choreographer Daina Ashbee. Vibrating with the essence of Daina’s dark and feminine style, the work constitutes a summary of three previous pieces: Unrelated, 2014; When the ice melts, will we drink the water?, 2016; and Pour, 2016. In developing Serpentine, Daina’s research explored the occupation of space, time, and attention, evolving into a cathartic solo for the performer, Irène Martinez, based on reclamation and insistence.
Presented in 20-minute cycles that repeat and intensify, Serpentine incorporates simple imagery chosen to resonate with a wide audience, and is set to an original electric organ composition by Jean-Francois Blouin. The juxtaposition of the haunting, at times disturbing sounds of the organ with the slow, sensual movement gradually escalating in violence produces a powerful effect.
Daina says: “Sometimes things need to be insisted upon, and I believe repetition is powerful because it insists, because we remember and we absorb. The body is powerful and Serpentine allows one body to speak—to occupy space and our attention, over and over, insistently revealing the enormous strength of the interpreter.”
Recommended for ages 18+
ACCESS - Highly visual, No/Little text
Audience notes
Free and Unticketed
Contains Nudity
This work is durational, audiences are invited to change point of view, exit and re-enter the room at their own discretion. The piece is performed in approximately 20-minute cycles. At the end of each cycle audiences have an opportunity to change point of view.
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Co-curated in collaboration with Tramway as part of RISE 2026, Dance North's Festival of Contemporary Dance and Performance. From Sat 23 May to Sat 6 June, RISE will honour global Indigenous artists whose work connects land, story, and movement worldwide. Visit the Dance North website
Artistic Direction, Choreography & Scenography: Daina Ashbee
Rehearsal Director: Gabriel Nieto
Interpreted by: Imara Bosco
Original Sound Design: Jean-Francois Blouin
Producer: Daina Ashbee
Photo - Arnaud Caravielhe
Accessibility guides
Read the Accessibility Guide for Tramway on AccessAble
Large Print and Braille programme material available upon request.
Some performances may also be BSL interpreted, audio described or have further assistance available. Access information for individual events is included in their event listing.
Accessible toilets
Accessible toilets are available on all three levels of Tramway, and come equipped with handrails and emergency pull cords. Please contact Tramway prior to your visit if you have any additional requirements
Assistance dogs
Assistance dogs are welcome. We can provide a bowl of water for an assistance dog. The assistance dog toilet area is located to the rear of the building.
Assistance dogs are allowed in the auditorium.
Wheelchair access
There is level access to all Tramway spaces and the cafe, with lift access to the upper spaces.
There are designated spaces for wheelchair users in the theatre.
Baby changing
Baby changing facilities are available on the ground floor
Baby feeding
Breastfeeding is welcome at Tramway
Cafe or restaurant
Full table service is not available. Food or drinks can be ordered at the counter and will be brought to the table.
No tables are permanently fixed. No chairs are permanently fixed.
Menus are hand held only, but are clearly presented in contrasting colours. Menus are not available in Braille.
Parking
On street only
Photography and video recording
At times, Glasgow Life will be on the premises to film and take photos.
The public are only permitted to record and take photos where explicit permission has been granted in advance.
Free wifi
There is free Wi-Fi available at Tramway, which you can access by registering through Facebook or an online form. Once registered, you can access free Wi-Fi whenever you are at Tramway.
Please note, Tramway does not offer a cloakroom or bag storage service. During large-scale and busy events bag searches may be in operation and bags larger than A3 size will not be admitted to the venue.
Location Map
Tramway is a post-industrial venue with a range of unique and versatile spaces, popular with private and corporate clients looking for a venue ‘with a difference’. Tramway is an ideal space for performances, exhibitions, private viewings, seminars, meetings and smaller scale functions.
Visit Tramway's venue hire web page to find out more.