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Suitcases
Suitcases

Thu, Sep 25

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The Exchange 1856

Suitcases

TO BE FEARED, MISUNDERSTOOD, FORGOTTEN THE HISTORY BEHIND THE SUITCASES A dance theatre production with special guest presentation from Jon Crispin photographer ‘Willard Suitcases’

Time & Location

Sep 25, 2025, 7:30 PM

The Exchange 1856, Howard St, Tynemouth, North Shields NE30 1SE, UK

About the event


Hit The Ground Running Dance Theatre Company presents Suitcases. Working in collaboration with Jon Crispin, a Massachusetts based photographer, this performance is inspired by his exhibition, ‘The Willard Suitcases’. Jon has worked on his exhibition for more than 10 years and his knowledge of the Willard Institute and the Suitcases will be invaluable to this performance. 


In 1995, The Willard Asylum, New York, closed its doors after a century of treating those deemed unfit for civilised society. Discovered in an attic, the suitcases of 427 Willard patients were found. Beautifully preserved epitaphs to a few of those who lived and died at the Willard asylum and a poignant remembrance of the lives they left outside. Drawing inspiration from some of the suitcases found, Hit The Ground Running’s new theatrical performance is a moving exploration of the people behind the suitcases and plays homage to innocent lives lived and lost to madness.

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