![](https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/d07f9793fa0e1f58f04583e396a5dd797609072224664cda63fe38102c4b2196/waystospeakabsence-still.png)
Still from Ways to Speak Absence, HD video with sound, 5 minutes 37 seconds, 2023
Ways to Speak Absence is a short film, based on a poem by Matt Alton. It brings together spoken word, an original soundtrack, improvised movement, and a choral performance based on the chorus from Eminem’s Cleanin’ Out My Closet. The film’s primary themes are grief and bereavement; it speaks explicitly about the experience of losing a parent at a young age.
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![](https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/8b848df410f12982da80f45a39a52fda0a7434b69c00b7a8b9193fb86ca9ba8c/waystospeak-still4.png)
![](https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/a41f236390c877ffb895ea83203b08bb0d6f4c16d19f7305232fa6b52da9b0a3/waystospeak-still3.png)
In memory of Kathy Alton (1956-2016) & Eleanor Meade (1958-2023)
In collaboration with:
Matt Alton
Credits:
Artist, Director & Editor: Chris Alton
Poet & Lead Performer: Matt Alton
Camera & Sound Recordist: Oliver Sutherland
Editing Support & Postproduction: Oliver Sutherland
Vocal Arrangement & Choir Direction: Kirsty Martin
Original Soundtrack: StevieRay Latham
Motion Graphics: Amy Gough
Performers: Zoë Alexander, Emilia Ballardini, Ele Bray-Giovino, Jen Coles, Liam Doheny, Lesley Fairbairn, Siobhan Farey, Brigitte Finch, Beth Plunkett, Hannah Reed, Kristin Skarsholt, Marina Stubbs
Commissioned and funded by:
Manchester Independents
![](https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/6efdcba186debfc063cad13b7023605ca45d3a3ee9b0641bbfe1325f8dced1f0/Manchester-Independents-Logos-PNGS_black-on-transparent-horizontal-logo.png)