This is the first half of Dull Roar, an abstract dance that challenges the performers to be compositional while working in state and movement. In order to access a physical vocabulary that is in-the-performative moment, we work with a method we call states of the body that uses images and tasks to generate movement. Throughout the piece, we are exploring the relationship between individual and group, noticing the impact that individual decision-making has on the others. All of this is challenging to maintain, but the work of it, is it.
Dull Roar has been in creation since January 2014. Past iterations were shown during a residency at Ross Creek Centre for the Arts (Canning, NS) and at York University’s MFA presentation Body of Minds. A few intensive creation periods have happened since then, each gaining clarity towards what you see here.
Composer Paul Shepherd/Cult Eyes creates his score by modulating sound from an analogue synthesizer that he manually patches during the piece. He alternates between synthesizer patches and tape loops in order to shift the audial experience and push the piece forward. The tapes that Paul uses were recorded during the first rehearsal process for this piece.
Choreographed by Valerie Calam in collaboration with the performers and Brendan Jensen; Artistic Advising by Brendan Jensen; Performed by Robert Abubo, Amanda Davis, Kate Franklin, Luke Garwood, and Christianne Ullmark; Music by Paul Shepherd/Cult Eyes; Costumes by Valerie Calam and Mairi Grieg; Stage Management by Peter Kelly; Videography by Fancesca Chudnoff.
