GILLIAN
RHODES
Performer |Storyteller
WHO AM I?
An American artist who has spent 10+ years living in Asia (Cambodia, South Korea, Pakistan). A trained ballet and contemporary dancer and accomplished choreographer. An avid reader, content and tech writer, astrophysics enthusiast, polygot, non-binary and unapologetic supporter of inclusive, equitable spaces.
WHAT DO I DO?
I perform genre-bending dance theatre that prioritizes narrative and emotional arcs. I create characters and share their stories. I write and research on a huge variety of topics, from digital arts to cultural exchange.
WHAT CAN I DO FOR YOU?
Commission one of my characters for a video or a live production – for special events, training videos, and more. Bring one of my productions to a theatre near you. Collect an NFT trading card (coming soon!) or purchase some sweet swag based on my characters.
Want to Book a Show?
CHARACTERS
JEAN-CLAUDE/PIERROT
Jean-Claude is a 57-year-old mime actor who plays the role of Pierrot the sad clown in a theater in Paris in the mid-1800s. Blissfully unaware of Jean-Claude’s trials, Pierrot is always losing or running after unrequited loves, at once optimistic and tragic.
GIRL IN THE RED DRESS
The girl in the red dress is sometimes the picture of youth and innocence, sometimes the epitome of Karen energy, and sometimes the tragedy of fame, fortune, and loss.
MAN IN THE SUIT
The man in the suit oozes Big Dick Energy – until he doesn’t. His journey explores toxic masculinity and corporate slavery.
MONSTER
Monster is the reflection of the other. Alien and unrecognizable, monster is little than a mirror upon which we throw our prejudices and expectations.
To Get a Quote
or
Commission a Character
PRODUCTIONS
LIFE IN PIERROT’S SHADOW (IN PROGRESS)
WITH LOVE FROM GILLIAN
GILLIAN PLUS ONE
THE NAME I GIVE MYSELF
LIFE IN PIERROT’S SHADOW (IN PROGRESS)
In 19th century Paris, a young man named Jean-Claude works his way into the mime performances and secures the role of Pierrot, the sad clown. The performance follows the joys and sorrows of Jean-Claude’s career and life, and as he and Pierrot grow ever further apart, he must ask the question: who is Jean-Claude, in the end, and will he ever be free of the character he has come to embody? This production blends live and video elements, featuring Gillian as both Jean-Claude and Pierrot.
WITH LOVE FROM GILLIAN
Blending beloved solos like “Pierrot” and “Big Universe Small Human,” live crowd-sourced improvisations, and Gillian’s self-produced short films like “All This Useless Beauty” and “It was all going so well…”, this show is a testament to the incredible range of the artist. Produced previously in Lahore, Pakistan (2021) and Lausanne, Switzerland (2021).
GILLIAN PLUS ONE
A celebration of the incredibly varied artists in the performance industry in Lahore, this production features 5 collaborations and performances with transgender activist Jannat Ali, folk and kathak dancer Safira Rajpoot, architect Abdullah Hassan, visual and performing artist Sarah Mumtaz and preeminent choreographer Wahab Shah. Each collaboration stands on its own, and together tell a story of the strength of performance now and to come. Produced originally in 2022.
THE NAME I GIVE MYSELF
Every day, we are assaulted by images and labels, whether it be from the internet, advertisements, or family and friends. "The Name I Give Myself" is a story about the struggle to dig past the images and expectations others give us and find the true representation of ourselves. Premiered in 2018.
