Collapse looks at the impact on society in America during the later part of the 1920s and the early years of the 1930s. A combination of the environmental impact of the dust bowl, the onset of a recession leading to the Great Depression, culminating with the Wall Street crash in October 1929.

Since 1910 ‘marathon danceathons’ existed in some shape or form - mostly on the mid-west. With the promise of food and shelter for the duration of the event for the spectators and a cash sum prize for the winning contestants, they over time became an even more desperate sight. By the time the depression had fully settled in, these competitions developed into a nightmarish circus for all concerned - apart from the ruthless organisers and sponsors.

Collapse looks at the children and adults whose farms have been foreclosed and whose livelihoods are finished - all the while being told by the federal government that all will be well. The desperate dancers depicted paint an ugly picture of society at its worst.

With the disparity between the wealthiest and poorest in today’s world, being at an all-time high, the idea that an event such as the danceathon returning is not so farfetched. in these times of extreme poverty unfortunately the concept of turning this situation into money making entertainment is a fruit ripening and ready to be plucked.