Impact meets improv, precision meets personality

Downstage Theatre - Media Release
Released 24/06/2009

For Immediate Release

Impact meets improv, precision meets personality
Strike Percussion join forces with Australian one man band Adam Page

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Strike Percussion are regular performers at Downstage, most recently with their hugely popular shows Strike Elemental (2008) and Strike Soundsystem (2009 NZ Fringe Festival).

Adam Page Solo was a hit at the 2009 NZ Fringe Festival winning ‘Best Music’ and ‘Best One Man Band/ Solo Show’. A ‘one-man does-all’ extravaganza, Adam’s shows use sophisticated looping techniques to combine 15 instruments and one vegetable into an hour of energy fuelled multi instrument performance.

When Strike Artistic Director Murray Hickman went to see Adam Page Solo it was love at first sight! An invitation followed for Adam to make a cameo appearance in Strike Soundsystem resulting in improvised, unscripted musical magic that prompted this reviewer comment:

‘Adam Page layered staccato vocal rhythms with lines of dreamy saxophone, using a loop pedal to duet with himself in a special guest performance – he was a major highlight.’
Simon Sweetman (on Adam Page’s cameo with Strike early 2009)

With this performance being such a success, Adam was an obvious choice when Strike were considering collaborators for their 2009 Downstage season. The inclusion of Adam’s improvisational elements is an exciting change for Strike. Murray Hickman: “It’s a big change from our regular performance style that is strictly scored and choreographed. We were really impressed by Adam’s improvisational skills, it’s exciting to start a performance and not really know where it’s going to go”.

Strike has been named as a Downstage resident company for 2009 to 2012. Speaking at the recent public forum held at Downstage, Murray Hickman spoke about the new partnership: “As a company that has such a hectic touring schedule, this agreement gives us an opportunity to pause and create new material for our Wellington seasons.” It also means Strike can plan ahead and work with new creative influences.

Strike Session with Adam Page also marks the release of their long awaited new CD, which was recorded at the world famous Karekare Studios (Crowded House, Portishead, Radiohead) and mastered by Don Bartley who has worked with Prince and Elton John.

Strike Session with Adam Page
Dates: 14 Jul - 1 Aug
Times: 6:30pm Tue-Wed and 8pm Thu-Sat.
Prices: $25 to $45.
Meet the Artists: Tue 21 Jul

Tickets can be purchased online, by phone at (04) 801 6946 or in person at Downstage’s box office. For up-to-date information visit www.downstage.co.nz

Downstage is proudly sponsored by BNZ.

More about Strike:

Founded in 1993 as a classically trained percussion ensemble, Strike has evolved into a high-energy drumming group combining movement and theatre-based performance. Featuring New Zealand’s most outstanding percussionists, the group’s skilful creativity, choreography and humour has wowed, entertained, moved, surprised and impressed audiences around the world, including China, Japan and Hong Kong.
"A highlight for the Fringe Festival and for Downstage. The air in the packed out theatre was sizzling with anticipation, and we were not disappointed."
Heather McDonald, Wotzon

More about Adam Page:
Winner of the Best Music by an Emerging Artist Award at the 2007 Adelaide Fringe Festival and one of South Australia’s finest saxophone players, Adam is at the forefront of a new and unique musical style which involves recording and looping individual instruments to create spontaneous compositions as part of his performance.
"His show mixes exceptional musical qualities with quirky high-energy comedy. Don’t miss it."
Garth Wilshire, The Capital Times

ENDS

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