Perth’s 2017 Fringe World Festival program has been unveiled and there is a veritable smorgasbord of dance on offer, from local, interstate and international artists. As always, there is plenty of contemporary dance on offer, as well as flamenco, Indigenous dance, dancehall and hip-hop.
North East Arnhem Land’s Indigenous dancers, Djuki Mala, is one act that immediately stands out in the line-up. Winner of Best Dance at the Adelaide Fringe in 2015, Djuki Mala fuses traditional Yolngu and contemporary pop culture, dance and storytelling to create a work of timing, comedy and clowning. Since Djuki Mala’s 2007 clip of “Zorba the Greek” went viral, the group has performed live around the world.
For those who are interested in physical theatre, the UK’s Tooth+Nail Theatre Company will bring two works to Fringeworld, Hummingbird and Parlour Games. Blending acrobatics and physical theatre, Hummingbird is a tale of love and murder, while Parlour Games is inspired by gothic novels and early silent films.
If you’re a fan of flamenco dance, or keen to find out more about this fiery dance form, then you’re in luck as there are two flamenco shows on offer in this program, both presented by local companies. Flamenco Puro promises to transport audiences to Spain to enjoy a traditional “tablao” experience of song, dance, music and rhythm. Danza Viva’s Loco, on the other hand, is a contemporary flamenco work – a sound poem and dance of words.
For those who love street dance, Cultural Renegades explores dancehall and hip-hop, teamed with hip hop, soul, dancehall and reggae beats.
When it comes to contemporary dance, Angela Goh’s Desert Body Creep sounds intriguing. Featuring a dance and an “oversized gummi worm, the work “draws from the long history of fictional worms in our culture.” There’s also "Dance at the Cathedral", a season of new works by 2016 WAAPA graduates, plus works by national and international choreographers performed by Link Dance Company, plus a range of new works from local choreographers – see the Fringe World Festival website for the full list.
And if you like to participate, then Bey Dance Run the World might be your thing, with its workshops and flashmobs. Or perhaps you’d rather lose yourself in the dark yogic disco that is Fantasy Light Yoga?
Check it all out at the Fringe World Festival website.
Top photo is of Djuki Mala dancers. Photo: Sean Young Photography.