A rhythm runs through it

MEDIA RELEASE - From New Zealand School of Dance

09/06/05

For immediate release

Attn: Arts Editor/Reporter

SMOKEFREE ARTS SEASON OF

SLAVES TO THE RHYTHM

Premieres Te Whaea Theatre

17 June – 25 June 2005

Performance Dates and Times: 17 June - 25 June (no show 20 June);

17, 18 June & 21 – 25 June at 8.00pm; 19 June at 4.00pm only

Venue: Te Whaea Theatre, 11 Hutchison Road, Newtown, Wellington

Tickets: $20 - Adult/Waged, $15 - Concession/Student/Unwaged

Website: www.tewhaea.org.nz

Bookings: 04 389 9056 (automated line) or 04 380 1715.

A rhythm runs through it

The Smokefree Arts Season of Slaves to the Rhythm brings together New Zealand’s most outstanding percussionists Strike and 2nd & 3rd year contemporary dance students from the New Zealand School of Dance in a performance of sheer vigour. Following the sell-out success of the Smokefree Arts Season of If Skin Could Talk in 2003, this year’s production will pulsate with choreographic innovation and high-energy percussion.

Most dances begin with a musical score, but with Slaves to the Rhythm the choreography and the music have been created simultaneously. The members of Strike have composed original music for the three works.

Murray Hickman, one of the founding members of Strike comments, “Strike is excited to be reunited with the NZSD for this year’s choreographic season. So far everything is coming together well and we’re all feeling energized about the show”.

Slaves to the Rhythm comprises three separate works – Energy Transfer, Dreamscape and Chambers of Emotion.

The first work, Energy Transfer, focuses on the internal and external forces that change and shape human relationships – how does the tempo of life affect the way we relate to one another?

Rachelle Hickson, a 3rd year contemporary dance student, is one of a group of three student choreographers collaborating on Energy Transfer, “In this piece the dancers become the musical ‘instruments’ and are orchestrated in movement by the musicians”, says Rachelle.

Dreamscape is a surreal physical and musical landscape that at times can be intoxicatingly beautiful, bizarre and frightening. Salvador Dali’s paintings have been a source of inspiration for this piece.

Chambers of Emotion explores the sensitive, yet vulnerable nature of the heart. It asks the question, ‘Does the heart rule our emotions or do our emotions rule the heart?’

An acting student and three Entertainment Technology students from Toi Whakaari: NZ Drama School are also involved in the production. The Entertainment Technology students will collaborate with the dance students to design the lighting. Gillie Coxill, winner of Best Costume Design at the 2004 Chapman Tripp Theatre Awards, will provide even more visual impact with her specially created and exquisite costume designs.

“This is a unique learning experience for the students,” says Wendy Wallace, Head of Contemporary Dance at the School. “Inviting professional artists to work alongside emerging student talent is a true reflection of the diverse training the New Zealand School of Dance has to offer. The 2005 choreographic season is a response to audience requests to enjoy again the combined efforts of Strike and the dance students.”

The Smokefree Arts Season of Slaves to the Rhythm has a cast of 25 plus 3 collaborators: 19 dancers from the NZ School of Dance, 1 acting student & 3 entertainment technology students from Toi Whakaari: NZ Drama School and 4 members of Strike Percussion.

This creative journey is made possible thanks to the support of Smokefree Arts. Smokefree Arts is a major sponsor of the New Zealand School of Dance, Toi Whakaari: NZ Drama School and Strike. Strike is also supported by Creative NZ.

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