As part of an artistic project centred on perinatal loss and pregnancy, Scottish Dance Theatre member Pauline Torzuoli is creating a short dance film inspired by her recent work Beside A Curve. The film will be created in collaboration with videographer Tao-Anas Le Thanh.

Pauline is interested in connecting with individuals who have lived experience of, or a personal connection to, this subject and would like to contribute to the project.

For this film, she is inviting contributions of names, nicknames, or ‘womb names’ of beings who were never born, along with a date or time period symbolically associated with them. This may relate to perinatal death, or the grief tied to the projected life of a child who never came into being.

“Through this piece I want to create a space where destruction and creation within the womb are placed and can be seen in their natural and complex proximity. And through art, honour the beauty and strength that emanate from this symbiotic dance” - Pauline Torzuoli

Please note that surnames should not be included to protect privacy and that the film will contain artistic representations of nudity, closely linked to the themes explored: the body, motherhood, and vulnerability.

How will the names be used?

Pauline’s aim and invitation is to give those who have been lost or never came to be, a platform to continue to be a part of life and art by contributing to a new artistic creation.

Names and dates submitted will appear in a written space at the end of the film. The film is still being created so there is a certain degree of unknown as to what this written space will be, but Pauline and Tao imagine that the names will be included either in clearly legible writing or alternatively presented in a more artistic or abstract way. For example, the text might appear moving, wavy, blurred, dream-like.

Our aim is to integrate the names in a way that complements the film’s aesthetic and emotional tone, while ensuring they remain meaningful and respectful.

Where will the film be shown?

The film will premiere on 15th October 2025, Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day, screened in a public event at Dundee Rep Theatre, and then be shared on demand on the company’s website and streaming platforms.

Pauline also intends to include projection of the film as part of future stage performances of Beside A Curve.

Where can I get more information?

If you are interested in getting involved, or have any questions, please get in touch with Pauline on PTorzuoli@scottishdancetheatre.com.

You can find more information about the work and Pauline’s research here, and hear her discussing Beside A Curve during its 2023 creation here. 

When should I get in touch by?

We have set a closing date for submissions of 10th September. However, if we receive a large number of submissions, we may close this call out early.

Where can I get support?

Experiences of miscarriage or perinatal loss can bring deeply personal and prolonged grief. The organisations listed below offer emotional, practical, and peer support from bereavement helplines and local support groups to remembrance services and counselling referrals. These services are open to anyone impacted, whatever the stage or circumstances of pregnancy loss, providing spaces to connect, remember, and begin to heal.

• Tommy’s – Provides support, information, and advice for anyone affected by miscarriage, stillbirth, and premature birth.
• Scottish Care & Information on Miscarriage (SCIM) – Offers support for women and families in Scotland affected by miscarriage, stillbirth, or neonatal loss.
• Sands Scotland – Provides local support and events across Scotland for those affected by baby loss.
• Miscarriage Association – Offers information, helpline support, and resources for those affected by miscarriage, ectopic or molar pregnancy.
• Twins Trust Bereavement Support – Provides specialised support for families who have lost one or more children from a multiple birth.
• Baby Loss Awareness – Brings together bereavement charities and offers support, information, and awareness resources for those affected by baby loss.