From the award winning choreographer, Elijah Kennar, (Mea Tau, Obssess, ¼ to ½ past,) comes a brand new dance work that offers a fresh perspective on the idea of “nothing”. Showing athleticism, unusual
rhythm, and breath taking partnering, Abyss Between Counts is on at the Basement Theatre, 13-17 November, 2018.
Stop. Close your eyes. Clear your mind. Think of nothing.
Well, not nothing, because technically nothing still is something, right?
What about those little incidents that have been happening recently? It’s hard to admit that it’s our fault. We voted.
We paid for it. Are they important? Or are they small nothings?
It’s no big deal.
Presenting such an ambiguous topic comes as no surprise from Kennar, who has also presented works on the emotional
feelings of weapons in Mea Tau, hidden compulsions in Obsess, and time travel in ¼ to ½ past. Sharing these themes is a particular talent of Elijah’s, who has been told that they are “cleverly portrayed” -
Theatreview
The work will provide a unique take on current political issues that some may brush aside as “small nothings”. For
example, the housing crisis within South Auckland. We see it happening all the time, we understand that there is an
issue. So what are we supposed to think about these political “small nothings”?
Elijah Kennar is this years’ recipient of the Tup Lang Choreographic Award, and has previously been awarded the Judges
choice, and Tempo Festivals Short and Sassy Award for his work Obsess. This year he also won the innovative choreography
award for his work ¼ to ½ past at Short and Sweet dance festival.
Dancing in the work is an exceptional cast of dancers. Lucy Lynch (The New Zealand Dance Company), Caitlin Davey (Fabricate, Catacular, Old Tricks New Dogs, Extra Ordinary Folk), Leighton Rangi (Pleasuredome, Diamond Entertainment, Mea Tau, Muamua), Natasha Kohler (MEAT, Rituals of Similarity, The Cost of Arms and Legs, Desire Line(s), Old Tricks New Dogs), Villa Lemanu (My Friend Michael Jones, Mea Tau, Obsess, Melted Brown), and Brittany Kohler (MEAT, Rituals of Similarity, The Cost of Arms and Legs, Desire Line(s), Old Tricks New Dogs)
“Its fast-paced and playful movement highlights the dancer’s strength and endurance. Performing to beats of their own
breath, the actions were perfectly synchronised and challenged dance as we know it” –DANZ
“Kennar has creatied a cohesive, vital and deeply interesting work. He will certainly be one to watch in coming years” -
Theatreview
Abyss Between Counts is sure to leave no audience member feeling unfulfilled!