Last Orders: In Process

July 17, 2011 5:04 pm

Photographer Alberto Santos Bellido debuted his unique photographic exhibition at The Arches in Glasgow on Wednesday night, entitled Last Orders: In Process.

With one half of Glasgow’s cavernous Arches bar adorned with close-up portraits of a ghoulish character (complete with bloody mouth) being restrained by ropes, one might have been forgiven for thinking this exhibit was something from Hammer House of Horror. But further inspection revealed the opposite wall depicting back-stage candid moments and rehearsal goings on for Last Orders – David Hughes Dance Production’s latest offering.

The new piece of dance-theatre from choreographer and director, Al Seed, is the follow-up to 2009’s award-winning The Red Room, acclaimed by critics and audiences alike, and based upon the Sawney Bean cannibal myths – the legendary 16th century Scottish cannibal, and his cursed, incestuous and multigenerational tribe of relentless killers – which explains the frightening and disturbing nature of Alberto’s shots.

“I am also the lighting director and technical manager for this production, and I felt the dramatic images of the characters in costume worked really well. I am also interested in bondage photography so these photographs tie in with my artistic interests,” he said.

“I have taken photographs like this of every production I’ve worked on, however this is my first exhibition. I hope it won’t be the last!”

In association with The National Theatre of Scotland, Last Orders will debut as part of the British Council showcase and Made in Scotland programmes at the Traverse Theatre during this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The show will then embark on an autumn tour, including dates at The Arches.