A Visceral Shock To The System

A Visceral Shock To The System

Provocative and interdisciplinary choreographer Alexa Wilson is delighted to present the premiere performance of TOXIC WHITE ELEPHANT SHOCK.
TOXIC WHITE ELEPHANT SHOCK is an innovative and avant-garde dance work that satirically layers theatricality with dance, film and sound in an explosion of toxically shocking experiences.

This new work looks at how the world around us is suffering under the strain of increasing political, social and environmental pressure. It is experiencing toxic shock. The impact of this shockwave is mirrored in the disturbing physical and mental state of the people. Alexa Wilson states “This work aims to map current political and environmental toxicity or pollution into and onto the body”.

Alexa Wilson’s career as an experimental choreographer spans not only a decade but a multitude of disciplines also – having crafted works in the field of performance art and video. Her 2004 work Magic Box received the NZ Listener’s “Best New Work by a Contemporary Choreographer” and has gone on to become an emerging filmmaker with a number of experimental, sometimes transgressive pieces behind her.

Toxic White Elephant Shock marks the first time one of her works has been awarded funding in the form of a Creative New Zealand grant plus Tup Lang Scholarship money for Emerging Choreographers. CNZ have funded a residency with Lemi Ponifasio – the renowned avant-garde artist and his Dance Company MAU. This residency provides Alexa with the environment, support and resources to create a new interdisciplinary work on a larger scale than ever before.

“Alexa has an unrivaled will and commitment to her art. She is the future.” Lemi Ponifasio

“Wilson’s creativity is a rich complex feast which deserves to be explored more fully… Her unnerving clarity and audacious style reveal an intellect and imagination capable of a major work” NZ Listener 2004

Crossing over different mediums and different disciplines, it is apt that Toxic White Elephant Shock also crosses over different experiences from performers seasoned and new - including Liana Yew (2006 NZ Listener – “Best Female Contemporary Dancer”), Alana Yee (Mega Pash Action), Anja Packham (Fringe 2006 – “Honourable Mention for Most Outstanding Performer”), Georgie Goater (BackLit Production) and Sarah Gavina Campus (Touch Compass Dance Trust).

The soundtrack to TOXIC WHITE ELEPHANT SHOCK is being created by Charlotte90 and experimental live musician Matt Brennan.

For more information visit http://alexawilson.blogspot.com
Toxic White/Elephant Shock plays
8pm 17thand 18th March, 2009
MAU Theatre, Corban Estate, 426 Great North Road, Henderson, Waitakere city, AUCKLAND
Tickets $20/25
Bookings available through MAU: 09 836 9345 or www.mau.co.nz

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