Hippodrome CREATIVE has today announced details of an innovative new digital dance film and sonic soundscape commemorating the anniversary of the first, medical X-Ray launching in November 2016.

X-Ray: The Unknown Quantity is a new collaboration between Birmingham Hippodrome, Birmingham City University and Birmingham Children’s Hospital which has been commissioned to coincide with the 120th anniversary of the first, medical X-Ray performed by Birmingham radiology pioneer Major John Hall-Edwards.

Hall-Edwards was a high profile public figure in the city at the turn of the 20th century and did much to advance scientific understanding of X-Ray imaging as well as the prevention and treatment of cancer. Towards the end of his life, he lost his left arm as a result of radiation exposure and his amputated arm is now preserved in the collection of the University of Birmingham.

The innovative project – which seeks to shine a spotlight on Birmingham’s unique contribution to world radiography – brings together the creative talents of award-winning contemporary dance artist and choreographer Mickael ‘Marso’ Riviere, British Institute of Radiology artist in residence Hugh Turvey and Birmingham-based Sound Artist  Justin Wiggan in a unique meeting of stop animation film, contemporary dance, X-Ray imagery and sonic soundscape collated from ‘hidden’ body sounds and X-Ray equipment.

X-Ray: The Unknown Quantity explores the aesthetics, sounds and actions of X-Ray machines as well as different people’s experiences of using them. The finished work is formed of three distinct perspectives – the patient’s, the operator’s and the machine’s – and uses dance, sound and ‘xograms’, images depicting the shadows of objects, to present these different aspects.

The short film will be launched via the Birmingham Hippodrome website on Tuesday 8 November to coincide with World Radiography Day and International Radiology Day an international day of celebration marking the anniversary of the discovery of x-radiation by German Physicist Wilhelm Roentgen in 1895.

The film will also be displayed via Birmingham Hippodrome’s digital screens located in the Main Foyer and at partner venues Birmingham City University and Birmingham Children’s Hospital throughout November.

Graham Callister, Director of Creative Programmes at Birmingham Hippodrome said: ‘Hippodrome CREATIVE wanted to commission a new artwork that would draw attention to Hall-Edwards’

work and Birmingham’s role in this important medical breakthrough with worldwide implications. It’s also an opportunity to highlight how the city continues to be a world leader in medical imaging today.

Radiography remains one of the most important tools in modern medicine, enabling diagnosis and assessment that without the use of X-rays, imaging and ultrasound would otherwise be impossible.  Birmingham Children’s Hospital alone performs in excess of 69,631 examinations each year. High-energy radiation also provides life-saving treatment in cancers and tissue disease.

This new commission therefore brings together leading local and national artists to combine hip hop dance, visual, sound and sonic art with film production skills to create an innovative new digital artwork that references the present day medical X-ray experience.  Through the project participating artists have had the opportunity to explore exciting new avenues for artistic creation and broaden the reach of the project through an associated programme of talks and workshops with partners Birmingham Children’s Hospital, Birmingham City University’s School of Allied and Public Health Professions – the Midlands’ only centre for radiography training – Vivid Projects and BOM.’

Jean Cahalane, Radiology Professional Manager at Birmingham Children’s Hospital NHS Foundation Trust said; “Birmingham Children’s Hospital is pleased to be a partner in this creative art project to celebrate advances in X-ray technology. The very first clinical X-ray was performed on this hospital site (when it was the  general hospital) back in 1896 and we now perform over 69,631 paediatric radiology examinations each year, providing a world class Radiology service to the children and young people of the West Midlands and beyond.”

Helen White, Head of Radiography at Birmingham City University, added:

“We were delighted to work with Birmingham Hippodrome, Birmingham Children’s Hospital and the three talented artists on this digital project that fuses art and science in a truly innovative way.

“This evocative new dance film and sonic soundscape encapsulates the pioneering nature of Major John Hall-Edwards’ work 120 years ago while allowing us as modern radiography professionals to view our discipline through fresh eyes.

“The film is the perfect way to mark Birmingham’s substantial contribution to X-ray technology and, as the only provider of diagnostic radiography and radiotherapy education in the West Midlands, Birmingham City University are ensuring that the next generation of radiographers are best equipped to serve the people of the region, across the country and around the world.”

For more information, visit http://www.birminghamhippodrome.com/calendar/x-ray-unknown-quantity/