Perth’s Fringe World Festival is fast becoming a cultural institution in Perth, so it’s no surprise to discover that the event has attracted a variety of established and emerging local and visiting choreographers.
One of the main venues for dance will be Chrissie Parrott Arts, a warehouse space that is fast becoming a hub for independent contemporary dance. Entitled “Summer Full of Dreams”, the program at Chrissie Parrott Arts includes work from NSW’s Martin del Amo and Julie-Anne Long. From WA there are works by Sally Richardson’s Steamworks Arts and Chrissie Parrott/Kynan Hughes, as well as emerging artist Louise Honeybul. There will also be free hip-hop and contemporary dance classes happening - click here for more info.
From del Amo and Long comes Benched, a work inspired by sitting positions observed on television during sporting games, courtroom dramas and talk shows. Benched features two intertwined solos, performed in a park.
Sally Richardson’s Rites is an interpretation of Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring… with a sporty twist. Featuring Natalie Allen, Laura Boynes, Kynan Hughes, Stefan Karlsson and son Yvan Karlsson, this is a comic look at Australian sporting culture.
The Man, by Chrissie Parrott and Kynan Hughes, is a solo work for Hughes. Described as physical theatre, The Man sees Hughes morph between male characters inspired by “heroes” of classical writers such as Kafka, Chekhov and Schultz.
The Blue Room Theatre Summer Nights program will also be presenting several dance artists as part of the Fringe. From the Bangkok Theatre Festival comes Hunger, a work exploring love, happiness and our constant desire for more. It’s performed by Chinese contemporary dance Min Zhu and Thai actor, dancer and improviser Or Kittikong.
Also on the Summer Nights program is “Two Times”, a double bill by Claudia Alessi/Company Complesso and Brooke Leeder, and “Paperland”, a triple bill from Unkempt Dance Collective, Toyi-Toyi Theatre and Emma Fishwick. “Two Times” features Alessi’s Nick’d & Dusty’d with The King a comic play on the songs of Nick Cave, Dusty Springfield and Elvis Presley, alongside Leeder’s Mechanic, a work that is brash, fast and daring.
As the name suggests, the three works that comprise “Paperland” all consider the myriad ways in which paper is a part of our lives… from maps to passports; receipts to parking fines; napkins to movie tickets.
Last but not least, for those who want to participate, US tap dancer Movin’ Melvin Brown brings Tap into Health (TIH Dance) – Movin’ with Melvin, an opportunity to enjoy a tap dance workout.
For more information about all Fringe World shows head to www.fringeworld.com.au
Above: Julie-Anne Long and Martin del Amo in Benched. Photo: Lucy Parakhina.
Below: Carly Armstrong of Unkempt Dance Collective in "Paperland". Photo: Emma Fishwick.
Below: Kynan Hughes in The Man by Chrissie Parrott and Kynan Hughes.
