Dance: The Story Of Stuff

22 August 2008

"The driving force of modern industrial civilisation has been individual material gain which is accepted as legitimate and even praise-worthy on the grounds that private vices yield public benefits in the classic modulation. It has been understood, very well, that society based on this principle will destroy itself in time" Noam Chomsky - 'The Story of Stuff'

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BackLit Productions Present

Cementing its outstanding reputation for fusing virtuoso performances with cutting edge social commentary, award-winning dance company BackLit Productions launches its latest work The Story of Stuff as part of Tempo - New Zealand Festival of Dance, from October 1st-4th at The Concert Chamber, Auckland Town Hall, THE EDGER.

BackLit Productions is a vibrant contemporary New Zealand dance company formed in 2006. With works that are diverse, stimulating, humorous and at times dark, BackLit are at the forefront of innovative dance in New Zealand.

Inspired by Noam Chomsky's eminent lecture of the same name, The Story of Stuff sees eight female performers capture space and time, luring audiences into an extravagant territory where consumerism reigns supreme.

Be drawn into this opulent terrain where eccentric characters roam through travelling doors and illusory mirrors. Caught in a haze of uncontrollable consumption, they are oblivious to the destruction that looms.

Can the inhabitants pull back from the precipice or will consumerism continue to rule? The Story of Stuff is told on multiple levels where energetic contemporary dance combines with intricately designed costumes and an eclectic mix of locally crafted music.

BackLit co-founder and director of The Story of Stuff, Rosey Feltham says this new work is an extension of The Leaning Tower of Penchant - the company's 2007 Tempo offering that won it its second coveted 'Spirit of the Festival' award and its first 'Best Production from Emerging ArtistsBest Production for Emerging Artists' award.

"Through the development of our last show it became evident that most people's penchants are for material possessions. Looking at what this means in a global context led us to research consumerism as a destructive force. In this show we hope to explore this idea as we entertain our audiences - hopefully inspiring them to reflect on the rich ideas within," says Rosey.

The Story of Stuff is danced and choreographed by Colette Arnold, Georgie Goater, Annabel Harrison, Mandy Leckie, Lucy Miles, Shannon Mutu and Janine Parkes. The use of scaffolding, moving doors, suspended mirrors and bands of silk fabric allow the dancers to move within unusual spaces, forming an energetic, mesmerizing and multi-level atmosphere.

Hip Hop producer and audio engineer Amin Payne is on board as musical director and technician, using his vast talents to create and mix an original soundscape. The lighting design is by BackLit's own company technician, Ambrose!

The company would like to acknowledge the support of ARTS ALIVE, STAMP and AUCKLAND CITY COUNCIL in helping to bring this project to fruition. Also special thanks to Black Grace for their support in the use of their studio.

"[The Leaning Tower of Penchant] was mesmeric and darkly witty" - Francesca Horsley NZ Listener 2007

"Posse of strong talented women" - Lyne Pringle, Theatreview 2007

"BackLit Productions [with] Fuzzy Reception.created a stir with their polished, confident works that shifted between poignant, darkly Butoh and entertaining themes" - Francesca Horsely, NZ Listener 2006

ENDS

The Story of Stuff plays as part of the 2008 tempo - NZ Festival of Dance

Where: THE EDGER / Concert Chamber

Dates: 1 - 4 October 2008, 8pm

Booking: www.the-edge.co.nz or 0800 buytickets

Tickets: $18 Unwaged / Student, $25 Waged / Group of 8+ $22

www.tempo.co.nz

ENDS

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