Monthly Archives: February 2012

Proximity

Posted on by nwynn
1

The Australian Dance Theatre under Garry Stewart never ceases to push boundaries and surprise audiences. Proximity is no exception. Using video Proximity expands on concepts explored in Held of perceptions of reality, where photographs of the dancers were projected immediately onto screens.

Proximity explores perception, the neurobiological and scientific understanding of how we interpret the world around us as well as how we emotionally and philosophically perceive ourselves. In this regard Stewart expands on the previous works Worldhood and Be Yourself .

Yes it’s complex, but I was so engrossed in the performance that I didn’t have the opportunity to examine patterns and threads between science, dance and philosophy. It is only after you have seen the piece that the full impact, connotations and ideas really strike you.

The video, projected on three large screens suspended at the back of the stage, is manipulated by French video engineer and programmer Thomas Pachoud to form kaleidoscopes, webs and phantasms of the dancers.

Movements and expressions that would otherwise be lost in the vast space of the stage and theatre are magnified and amplified on video captured by the dancers themselves. The audience can see how a dancer is able to express with every joint in his finger, or the emotions of joy on dancers’ faces as they work on a particularly fun part. Regardless of where you are sitting in the theatre none of the action is lost to you.

It’s a show that probably needs a repeat viewing, the first to just take in the richness of the performance and technology, the second to attempt to deconstruct the science, philosophy and emotions of perception.

Visually it is spectacular, at times so overwhelming in its complexity and at others so simple. The mix of colours, movement and images provides a visual feast that I just wanted to gorge on.

There are only four more performances of Proximity as part of the 2012  Adelaide Festival, there is also an Auslan interpreted version on March 1.

Abandoman

Posted on by alanablah-na-na
Reply

I was already in a good mood before I saw this show: apparently reviewing makes you ‘part of the Fringe’ which in turn results in a 50% discount at the popcorn stand in the Garden. ($2 popcorn: try matching that Event Cinemas!) Another thrill the commercial cinemas can’t hope to replicate is the adrenalin rush one gets from seeing an awesome off-the-cuff live performance, which is exactly what Abandoman provided on Tuesday night.

Abandoman: Irish rapping superhero!

Abandoman is a one-(Irish!)man, one keytar sort of show that relies heavily on the performer’s charisma and connection with the audience to work. The night I saw him, he used this connection extremely well, drawing audience members out of their seats and out of their comfort zones. Things certainly got personal, and all the better for it. After some coaxing, various audience members confessed their most pedantic pet hates, which provided ammunition for some impressive free-styling. Anyone who can smash rhymes about the annoyance of a vacuum cleaner turned off at the power point, chocolate bars that are too thin (take note makers of Lindt chocolate: you need to beef up your blocks!) and the supreme disgust of patting a cat only to be given the ‘brown eye’, well that sort of talent is just flat-out impressive.

To be honest I had a heads-up about the show, which is probably best described as a hip hop stand-up comedy mash-up. This prior knowledge didn’t ruin my experience of the show, but rather enhanced it, so I’ve decided to share this with you: bring a random item to the show. I brought a Sammy Davis Jnr. cassette tape I found whilst rummaging around my car floor. Take anything that might prove to be lyrically inspirational *wink, wink*.

So don’t be shy, prepare to share and get along to this show!

Abandoman is playing at The Campanile in the Garden Of Unearthly Delights until Sunday 4 March. Book your tickets here.

The Table

Posted on by nwynn
Reply

The Table, the simplest way to describe this show is four men using a table to make music, but it is so much more than that. The “Table” while it looks innocuous enough is in fact a finely tuned instrument on which a single caress, tap or bump creates a clear note or sound effect. Hidden whistles, didgeridoos and strings complement the percussion elements of swiping, thumping and hitting, resulting in a sound that an orchestra could have difficulty replicating.

Using this multifaceted instrument the four men, seated at the four points of the compass, create complex and varied music ranging from hard rock, through to gypsyesque tunes and Tibetan prayer songs.

The versatility of the table, let alone the performers is astounding. Regardless of whether or not you have a musical background you will be simply amazed by what is created by these four men on their table.

What is created is not just music, but humour, cheek and passion. This show reminded me of the Playschool segments where the hosts would create musical instruments out of ordinary objects. It reminded me that it is possible to create music anywhere, out of anything, all it needs is a little imagination.

This show is a must see, for those who have studied music it will be fascinating journey of technical prowess and creativity. For those without a musical background it will be almost like magic, sounds created out of a simple structure. At times it was just as interesting to watch the expressions of pure amazement on my fellow audience members’ faces. Regardless of your background, this performance is truly astounding.

For the full effect of this show, sit as close as possible to the front so make sure you line up early.

The Table is playing in the Garden of  Unearthly Delights until March 10.

Spitfire Solo

Posted on by Katie
5
Nicholas Collett

Photo from www.nicholascollett.com

Nicholas Collett’s solo performance in CIT Adelaide’s Spitfire Solo is extraordinarily accurate in history, idiom and language. Collett plays Peter Walker, an ex-Battle of Britain pilot in a convincing 65 minutes where we are taken on a journey through Walker’s life as a RAF fighter and a man in love.

I walked in uncertain as to whether or not I was going to enjoy the performance and I walked out wishing that it hadn’t ended. Like a book that you randomly select at the library, knowing nothing about it and put down when it’s finished, feeling connected to the characters and sad that you can only imagine what happens next.

Nicholas’ ability to portray so many different characters was incredible and so believable. How does one man switch so easily between the persona of an elderly Northern English man in his and  a young Australian girl? Collett, your magic worked on me and I’m dead keen to see more of your work.

For those that are able bodied, the venue – Art Base at Higher Ground is easily accessible. If you’re a little unsteady on your feet, take note that the venue is downstairs and proceed with caution. If you’re not certain that you’ll be able to make it down the stairs, then I recommend that you take a helping hand or two with you.

If you fought in the RAF or had a relative who did, or if you just have a penchant for WWII history then don’t miss this performance.

‘Liar liar pants on fire’ A journey into non verbal communication

Posted on by Katie
Reply

Take one professional public speaker and put him outside of his comfort zone by challenging himself to take part in the 2012 Adelaide Fringe Festival. The result? David Ferrier. This man adopts the persona of a crazy doctor and takes the audience on a ride. Ferrier’s first ever Adelaide Fringe show ‘Liar liar pants on fire’ A journey into non verbal communication is about perception. Self-perception, others perceptions of you and how to put your best foot forward. Ferrier says that many people “go to the grave thinking about what they need to be happy”.  In one hour, he tells stories about how he has decided that he’s going to challenge himself and do things the that he needs to do now to be happy. You’ll walk out of his show with a new lease on life and some great takeaway messages.

‘Liar liar pants on fire’ A journey into non verbal communication is on at Gluttony.