Surrealist physical theatre for the
Poor and desperate
BATS, 9 – 13 Feb 2008, 9:30pm
Babyshads present
And They Did.
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The anti-dance crusaders return with a new surreal, black comedy that explores the ethics of employer – employee
relationships. BabyshadS received critical and popular acclaim for their previous performances Watch This Space (“the
stand out success and surprise of the festival” - Deirdre Tarrant, Capital Times) and Imagining Reality (“these skilled
performers share their fevered imaginings with wit and style” (John Smythe, Theatreview).
$11.25 per soul.
And They Did. fuses dance, music, dialogue and absurdist performance styles with surreal, stylised design to chronicle
the lives of Lady and her in-house staff as they prepare to host a dinner party. This is the base to explore different
situations and relationships, often resulting in hilarious physical comedy. The dancers swap characters throughout the
show, creating interesting dynamics, both emotionally and physically. BATS Theatre Programme Manager James Hadley says,
“Exploring the ethical challenges faced by a cash-strapped younger generation when being employed by an established
older generation is a fresh and relevant topic, conspicuously attuned to the zeitgeist of today’s 20-somethings.”
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This show deals with the consequences of a new class of educated and ambitious young people who are being increasingly
forced into situations where their bodies, minds and spirits are degraded, just in order for them to earn a living. The
dinner party setting enables them to also explore the perverse curiosity of the upper class to see “how the other half
live”. Fringe is the perfect platform for this kind of work because it encourages a much more diverse audience than
usual for theatre.
‘I work therefore I am’
The BabyshadS have what they feel is their best line up yet. Self-professed devisors and ‘anti-dancers’ (Milo Haigh, Sherilee Kahui and Jake Preval) are joined by newcomer Jaci Gwaliasi. Musician and Chapman Tripp nominee Emile de la Rey has been working to compose original music for the production. They are joined by lighting designer Rob Larsen (And What Remains, Kikia Te Poa).
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What: And They Did. By BabyshadS
When: 9-13 February 2008, 9:30pm
Where: BATS Theatre, 1 Kent Terrace
Cost: $16/ $12concs/$10fringe addict
Bookings: (04) 8024175 / book@bats.co.nz
ENDS