Illusion Palace – Chapter 1

For Immediate Release
3 March 2005

Illusion Palace – Chapter 1
A new dancetheatre work by Wilhemeena Gordon
With original sound-score by Norm Skipp

Cream buns, red high-heels, glass slippers, cascading bodies and a pick-a-path ending where fate is in your hands.

Illusion Palace marks the return of one of New Zealand's most promising contemporary choreographers: Wilhemeena Gordon (Acts of Love, Scratch and Sniff Dance Shorts, Too Close, and Trash to Fashion).

The work uses a cast of twenty dancers in what has been described as a sexy, gothic fairy tale, a work of ethereal and surreal beauty reminiscent of film noir and German choreographer Pina Bausch.

"Twenty dancers in a small stage environment is a definite challenge, but the heady excitement of the risk is worth it" said Ms. Gordon, "The story is set amongst a milieu of castles, enchanted forests and misty meadows, with a certain element of mystery, humour and flamboyance. The stage will be haunted by a flow of delicious movement and humorous satire the Brothers Grimm would have been proud of."

The multimedia performance mixes sculpture, film, dance and theatre with original sound-score by NZ composer Norm Skipp. Audiences will also have a chance to select the way this work will progress in future showings.

"This collaborative aspect between choreographer and audience has never been done in NZ dance, it's giving the power back to the audience to choose what they want to happen, it's exciting to have the creative juices of the audience flowing through the process," comments Ms. Gordon.

REVIEWS:

"Striking and unusual" Jennifer Shennan, The Evening Post.

"A sexy, funny ensemble that cast a spell of love and mystery" Francesca Horsley, The NZ Listener.

"A reverberant work…saving the best till last" William Dart, NZ Herald.

ENDS

30 March - 1 April
7.30pm (12pm matinee on Friday)
Maidment Studio Theatre
8 Alfred Street, Auckland Central.
$25 adult/$18 concession/$10 children (matinee only) bookings on ph:09.308-2383

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