An immersive journey into light, sound, movement — and kinship with a more-than-human world.
We are the Children of the Compost.
Journey into our forest of light, sound and movement; and imagine new ways of living and dying together.
This is no ordinary performance. It’s a space to slow down, to listen, and to feel. As you move through the flickering forest, you’ll encounter shifting sounds, living bodies, and quiet acts of care. You may be invited to dance, to rest, to witness. Nothing is expected. Everything is shared.
This immersive ritual invites you to compost the past and care for each other in a world shaped by uncertainty. Come with an open heart and curious feet. The forest is waiting.
✦ What to Expect
Day 1 – Making Kin (Saturday 25th October)
11am–6pm — Preparation for the Ritual
Join the Children of the Compost as they prepare the ritual space. Craft, build, offer, and play. Hands-on activities for all ages.
6pm–8pm — The Ritual
At dusk, the Children of the Compost open a space for encounter — with each other, with the dead, with the more-than-human. You are welcome to witness, wander, or be drawn into the dance.
Day 2 – Compost Time (Sunday 26th October)
11am–4pm — A Time for Stillness
The forest becomes a space for quiet reflection. Step inside the installation. Sit, breathe, and be with those who dwell within.
4pm–6pm — Closing the Ritual
A final gathering. The Children of the Compost close the ritual. Be a witness, a participant, or simply present for the ending — and what may begin again.
✦ About the Project
Rituals for Earthly Survival brings together UK and Japanese arts in a unique fusion that spotlights Butoh and fosters cultural exchange. Initiated by Japanese Butoh artist Yumino Seki, with sonic artist Rusty Sheriff and video artist Kim Balouch, the project promotes mutual understanding through community-based performances and workshops.
✦ Practical Info
📍 Location: The Round Tower, Broad Street, Old Portsmouth, PO1 2LY
📅 Dates: The ritual unfolds over two days — Saturday 18 October and Sunday 19 October 2025.
🕰️ Entry: Timed entry. Free admission. If the space is full, a one-in-one-out system will be in place.
♿ Accessibility: Ground floor access is wheelchair accessible. Toilets available. Some historic areas may be restricted.
🐾 Dogs: Well-behaved dogs are welcome, but must be kept on a lead.
🎟️ Booking: No booking required — but come early during peak times to avoid waiting.
✦ Come as you are
We’ll be waiting.
✦ Credits
Kate Jones steps forward in the role of Choreographer to lead this new iteration of the ritual. Once a dancer within its first unfolding, trained under Yumino Seki, she now carries the choreography at the heart of the work. Rooted in the language of Butoh and shaped by the forest’s memory, Kate brings clarity, care, and vision to the movement of the Children of the Compost. Under her direction, this ritual grows, shifts, and finds new forms. She is supported by a constellation of collaborators, whose names will be shared as the circle expands.
Producer: Roy Hanney
Sonic Artist: Rusty Sheriff
Video Artist: Kim Balouch
Choreographer: Kate Jones
✦ Thank you to…
The Hotwalls Studios and Portsmouth City Council for gifting the use of The Round Tower to the project and enabling us to stage this second ritual.
To City Arts Portsmouth for encouragement and confidence in our capacity to take this project a further step forward.
