40/40
new work
touring 2023 & 2024
40/40 is an inspiring, insightful and moving celebration of Katherina Radeva’s 40 years as a woman, a migrant and an artist. Claiming space on a dance floor for one, she writes stories of her past, present and future, in speech, in electrical tape and in movement.
From the little girl dancing at her parents’ student parties, to the teenage rhythm gymnast who was body-shamed, to the creative who refuses to be categorised we see a choreography of all the joys and sorrows of 40 years. Radeva is an irresistible performer whose authenticity and generosity shines in this life-affirming piece.
Supported by three brilliant female choreographers - Liz Aggiss, Lucy Suggate and Rachel Krische, Katherina’s 40/40 is the result of 40 years of joy, migrancy and hardship, laughter and tears, super tunes and super moves. Join the middle-aged woman revolution by dancing, claiming and reclaiming the beautiful, glorious and messy complexities of womanhood.
Content warning: nudity, heavy breathing, middle aged woman dancing with much joycredits
Conceived, created, written, designed and performed by Katherina Radeva
Costume and Headdress maker Rositza Radeva
Movement support Liz Aggiss, Lucy Suggate, Rachel Krische
Stage Manager Louise Charity and Helen Mugridge
Outside eyes Alister Lownie
sound support Tim Blazdell
lighting support Marty Langthorne
photography Garry Cook and Beth Chalmers
Funded by Creative Scotland, with support from Tramway Glasgow and Dance Base Scotland.
40/40: the book
Alongside the new show, a short publication documenting Katherina's making process is available. Across 48 colour pages (all of them on recycled natural paper), there are texts and drawings giving an insight into the making of a new performance.
Copies are available in the UK only for just £12 inc. p&p
RESPONSES to 40/40
"You must see 40/40 by Two Destination Language - without doubt the most alive, in the moment and reflective show I have seen over the last 10 days. A piece which understands that context is all" - Lyn Gardner, critic
"Congratulations Two Destination Language - 40/40 is a beautiful and unapologetic celebration of self acceptance. Get yourselves along" - Robyn Jancovic-Brown, producer
"40/40 by Katherina Radeva is wholeheartedly one of the most beautiful shows I have seen in a long time. Very considered yet spontaneous at the same time, utterly unapologetic, emotive in all the best ways - highly recommend this beauty of a show" - Ambrose Kelly, PR
"I saw Two Destination Language's 40/40 today and it has stayed with me all day. The kind of work that makes a 'simple' offer but produced so much complexity in the room and in me. Full of labour, vulnerability, pleasure, humour and so much SPACE for me as an audience."- Ira Brand, artist
"It. Is. Bloody. Brilliant." Neil Webb, Director of Dance & Theatre, British Council
Performance history
21 May 2022 - Media Factory, UCLAN, Preston, UK
14-21 August 2022 - Zoo Southside main stage, Edinburgh Fringe Festival