From Idea To Performance

Creating authentic and unique stories through movement, visuals, and text

Creative Director/
Director

Using visual metaphors and a storytelling approach, I develop performances that are poignant, memorable, and unique. My performances and vision are perfect for creative and off the beaten path events, something away from the same old tired performances that every Dubai event recycles. I’ve created short films, short performances, character performances, and full length productions, handling the whole process from conceptualization to execution, often including direction on costumes, sets, lights, etc, as well as providing the script, choreography, and training the performers. I’m available as a creative director in Dubai to take your events to the next level. 

Choreographer

From festivals to contemporary dance showcases, feature films, plays, and music videos, I’ve worked as a movement coordinator, movement director, and a more traditional choreographer. I use my dance background along with my strong understanding of physical theatre and non verbal communication (drawing on my own Storytelling in Motion method!) to create a range of movement, technical and experimental, to match the need of the occasion. Now as a choreographer in Dubai, I’ve choreographed musical theatre and provided movement direction for multiple groups, and teach jazz, musical theatre, and acting. 
Gillian holding a pole behind her head with a dancer copying her movements behind

Writer

As a content writer, scriptwriter, and creative writer, I’ve written poetry, blogs, product descriptions, scripts, brand stories, theatre productions, plays, novellas, short stories, and more. I’ve done everything from brand storytelling to experimental scripts. My strength is in storytelling, allowing me to distill the noise and focus on what matters and what people will remember. 

Case Study:

All These Faces Are Mine
(Art Exhibition and Performance)

In collaboration with an art gallery in Lahore, I developed a group exhibition based on the themes and concepts represented by my four stock characters. I worked closely with the curator to select the works of four other artists and placed them in conversation with my characters, creating new works and showcasing several of my short films and creative photoshoots alongside. I created a 60-minute performance art installation in which I transformed into each character, as well as an interactive installation that allowed the audience to put their own face on the characters. 

Gillian performing in a gallery with small pedestals draped in costumes
more than my gender poster

Case Study:

More Than My Gender
(15 Minute Performance Film)

I received a grant in 2021 to develop a performance for the World of Women festival in Pakistan. I worked with two disabled performers to explore the intersectionality of gender, disability, and privilege, writing the script and guiding the entire creative process. I did the choreography and worked with a composer to develop original music, and guided the DOP in the filming and editing process.