A controversial performance by a dance artist, who will attempt to induce an epileptic fit, is due to go ahead today at Bradford Playhouse.

Rita Marcalo, who suffers from epilepsy, has stopped taking her medication in preparation for Involuntary Dances, a 24-hour event at the Little Germany theatre.

If Miss Marcalo has an epileptic seizure, an alarm will sound, lights will brighten and cameras will record her seizure.

The performance is part of an ongoing research project looking at the relationship between dance, epilepsy and drug research, which has received nearly £14,000 of Arts Council funding.

Director of Bradford Playhouse, Eleanor Barrett, said: “We have undertaken a stringent health and safety risk assessment and Rita has had an independent survey carried out. She’s paid for an ambulance and a private medical team to be present.”

Miss Barrett said the Playhouse had received complaints, but had also heard from many people interested in seeing the performance.

She said: “I can see why people are shocked, but Rita isn’t suggesting anyone else should do this. There’s an extremely minimal risk. There are sports events that are much more dangerous.”

A spokesman for charity Epilepsy Action said: “This is potentially very dangerous, and we would urge this person not to do it.”

Involuntary Dances starts at 1pm today and will continue until 1pm tomorrow.