Y CHROMOZONE (2014)
Q Theatre, Rangatira, Auckland
10/10/2014 - 11/10/2014
Production Details
1. WATCHING WINDOWS
Company Touch Compass
Directors Liz Kirk & Catherine Chappell
Choreographer Catherine Chappell
Performers Adrian (Adus) Smith, Jesse Johnstone-Steele
Music Songs for Simon Mvt1: His Second Time – John Psathas. MusicBox: Acquisitions14 – Chris O’Connor.
Set in a cube this excerpt is from Touch Compass’ recent show Watching Windows and explores physical boundaries, connection and proximity.
Adrian Smith joined Touch Compass in 2008, and has played a leading role ever since – both literally and figuratively. Inspired by improvisation, martial arts, contemporary dance, breakdance, laughter, compassion, sports, animals, kids and various other moving things.
Jesse Johnstone-Steele’s dance career leapt off as a Touch Compass founding member in 1997. Career highlights include taking part in the millennium Paralympics in Sydney, the opening of Star Jam and performing in numerous Healing Through Arts Trust shows and Melbourne’s Art of Difference Festival.
Catherine Chappell professional dance career spans 28 years as a dancer, teacher, choreographer, founder and artistic director for Touch Compass.
Liz Kirk has worked as a dancer and teacher for the last 20 years. She has enjoyed working with Touch Compass for the last year as Rehearsal Director.
14. HE TOKI (The Adze)
Company Hawaiki Tu
Choreographer Kura Te Ua and Beez Ngarino Watt
Performers Beez Ngarino Watt, Kereama Te Ua, Karena Koria, Edmund Eramiha and Leroy Paul
Music Tiki Tapu – with kind permission by Rob Ruha
HE TOKI (The Adze) symbolises strength, courage and leadership. This short Haka Theatre (Dance) work challenges our generation to take up the mantel of leadership and guide our people positively into the future. Inspired by the prolific Maori composer Rob Ruha and his recent debut track – ‘Tiki Tapu’ which encourages Maori males to be bold and proud when choosing to wear facial moko – lest it live a fabled existence in the future.
Kura Te Ua and Beez Ngarino Watt are the Co-Directors and Choreographers of Hawaiki TU, both experienced Kapa Haka exponents with a range of skills in dance and theatre.
15. IDENTITY
Company Identity Dance Company (ID CO)
Choreographer Whole crew collaboration
Performers Josh, Andrew & Richie Cesan, Chevrolet Mikaera, Ahutoa Lanefale, Taniora Motutere, James Tautuku, Nathan Kara, Joshua Faletaua & Carlos Skipper.
Music Panic Room – DOPE D.O.D. Childish Gambino – Sweatpants. Z – Eptic & Must Die. Chez – Chez.
One of the important features of Identity Dance Company is that each member of the crew contributes to the choreographic idea and process of everything they do.
ID CO Collaborated together to choreograph this work, entered in the World Hip Hop Championshop 2014 where they received a silver medal.
12. TRICKY (OMG DANCE CREW)
Company THE DANCE STUDIO
Performers Richard Cesan, Sjouke van Houten, Andrew Tuarae, Ferruccio Orlando, Paul Vodanavich, Peter May and Mark Bourne.
Choreographer Ritchie Cesan
OMG love to dance and are the MOST conscientious group at the Dance Studio, Only one of the dancers has had any prior experience in dance – They love to perform and were the highlight of last years Dance Studio show !!
Ritchie Cesan has been choreographing for professionals and youth since he was a teenager and has received critical acclaim for his work with both sectors. In 2013 he was approached by an enthusiastic group of Dance Studio parents who wanted to dance themselves. The group are now unstoppable, and for Richie their lesson is the highlight of his teaching week
13. A LONG UNDRESSING
Choreographer Michael Parmenter
Performers Adam McNaughton
An autobiographical work that toured to immense acclaim throughout the country, and won the AIDS Media Awards.
Michael Parmenter’s name is synonymous with bold and innovative contemporary dance in New Zealand. Over the past twenty years, Parmenter has created some of the most challenging and exciting theatrical works presented in New Zealand.
2. ROMALE
Choreographer Melana Khabazi
Performers Rodney Tyrell, Shane Tofaeono, Bejamin Mitchell, Regie Malonzo, Eric Ripley & Zildjian Robinson
Music Romale – Loyko.
(The Gypsies)
A noisy multitudinous throng. The crowd of gypsies streams along. The plains of Bessarabia. Their camp by the riverside today. Is pitched and set for their nighttime stay. In ragged tents spread far and wide. Like freedom is their sojourn there, under the skies in the midnight air…
A.S. Pushkin
Melana Khabazi is originally from Georgia and began her training in Dance at MGL school of musical and humanitarian studies in Siberian town Ulan-Ude,Russia, There she completed her studies in Eastern European Folk Dance and Music. In 2010 she decided to continue her study in Dance and made a decision to move to New Zealand where she completed her Bachelor Degree in Contemporary Dance.
3. APOGEE
Company Dust Palace
Performer Edward Clendon
Choreography Jess Quaid
Because it’s there. Because it’s the only way you’re getting out of here. Because even as you fall there is something to hold on to. A solo adventure into the verticality of space.
Jess Quaid is a freelance dance artist and occasional aerialist currently based in Auckland. Since graduating from Unitec in 2010 she has maintained a regular output of small performances, choreographies and collaborations.
4. DESTINATION X
Choreographers Andrew Cesan & Matthew Moore
Performers Andrew Cesan & Matthew Moore
Music Andrew Cesan. Monster Stomp – Probmatic.
We are constantly travelling in life. Who we meet and interact with ultimately dictates the outcome of our journey. Destination X takes a look at ourselves and the world around us, whether it be political or social. Interpersonal influence is such a strong mechanism for change and perception.
Andrew Cesan and Matthew Moore met during the early days of Identity Dance Crew. Since then they’ve worked on separate projects with Matthew working in the contemporary dance space and Andrew continuing his involvement with Hip Hop through Identity Dance Crew. This is the second piece Andrew and Matthew have worked on together as adult choreographers.
5. I SEE YOU
Company New Zealand School of Dance
Choreographer Rutsuki Kanazawa
Music Prelude from Cello Suite No.1 – J.S.Bach.
Performers Satoshi Hashimoto
This poetic solo was created especially for Satoshi Hashimoto by first performed ‘I See You’ at the NBA Ballet Competition in Japan earlier this year, where he achieved third place.
Rutsuki Kanazawa now dances with Landestheater Linz in Austria. Satoshi, who is a second year student at the New Zealand School of Dance.
10. O GOLLY!
Company Dust Palace
Choreographer Adrian Smith & Eve Gordon
Performer Adrian Smith
Music A Last Dance with Léon – Doctor Flake.
Inspired by improvisation, contemporary, breakdance, circus skills, comedy, voice, kids, animals and an excessive exposure to the wonders of the interweb.
Adrian Smith & Eve Gordon devised this piece for The Dust Palace’s audience choice Christmas show Knock Knock in 2013.
11. SWING BREAK
Company Boyzdance Tap
Choreographer Andrew Cesan
Performers Gabriel Sutton and Jackson Tuarae
Music Swing Break – Te MC Mash Clan
Gabriel Sutton and Jackson Tuarae are two young dancers on the move. They are talented at Hip Hop and tap and bring both elements into this piece
Andrew Cesan has an innate love of rhythm. He has been choreographing tap dance since he was 9 years old. Missing his long time partner for Y Simon Watts, who is now touring with STOMP. Andrew has this year turned his talent to choreography for two of his up and coming students.
8. THREE KINGS
Company The Friday Company
Choreographer Brigitte Knight
Performers Reece Adams, Regie Malonzo and Shane Tofaeon
Music Zadok the Priest – Handel.
3 Kings explores the dual meaning of king (male sovereign or monarch) / king hit (one fatal blow) and considers the deaths of Connor Morris, Stephen Dudley and Tarun Asthana. It is about the power of men, and men’s potential for split-second reactions/decisions that can channel their power into violence or protection, destruction or kingship.
Brigitte Knight is an experienced and innovative choreographer, dance educator with the Royal New Zealand Ballet and dance adjudicator. Brigitte is trained in a broad range of dance styles including ballet, contemporary, jazz, hip hop, Bollywood and tap.
9. OPAQUE
Choreographer Vivian Aue
Performers Elijah Kennar, Tony Pati, Joshua Faleatua, Leighton Ramgi, Nathan Kara, Xavier Breed, Stephen Hidalgo, Connor Muller, Josh Cesan & Taitanyk Tonui
Music Nau Gojatas – to Cor de la plana a Mezzo Voce. Nau Goiatas a Castethnau (Rondeau) – Duo Brotto-Lopez.
Bro check her out. Gee I think I’m falling for her. Uce I’m in LOVE!
Vivian Aue is an emerging choreographer and dancer. Currently a third year student at The University of Auckland studying a Bachelor of Dance Studies, he has performed and choreographed nationally and internationally recently winning awards for Best Choreographer, Emerging Arist and People’s Choice award at the Short and Sweet Dance Festival 2014. Vivian feeds off his Street Dance and Pacific dance background when creating dance work.
6. THE SPEECH
Company New Zealand School of Dance
Choreographer Wessel Oobstrum
Music Window – LEAF.
Performer Jeremy Beck
“the way of life can be free and beautiful, but we have lost the way” (Charlie Chaplin, 1940, The Great Dictator)
Wessel Oostrum is a Dutch choreographer. This poignant and touching solo is danced to a monologue by Charlie Chaplin from the film ‘The Great Dictator’, stands out as a tribute to those who lost their lives in World War I.
7.BATI NI VALU
Company VOU Dance Co
Choreography VOU is a collective of urbane Fijian artists.
Performers Jone Soro, Edward Soro, Jiuta Tigarea, Rusiate Rokilibau, Navitalai &Waqavotuwale.
Music Bati nai valu – VOU.
Warfare. It is a brutal and real part of Fiji’s history. In this choreography the VOU male dancers depict the process from inception to vicious end. The warriors channel the power of ancestral war gods in pre battle rituals conducted by the Bete or traditional Fijian priest. Will they be victorious? One thing is for certain – someone will be eaten.
- Friday 10 October 2014, 08:30pm – 09:30pm
- Saturday 11 October 2014, 08:30pm – 09:30pm
Tickets: $27 – $42
80 mins
Vitality, variety and powerful performances
Review by Sue Cheesman 12th Oct 2014
Y Chromozone 2014 is crammed full of vitality, variety and powerful performances from a cast of around fifty male dancers. The fifteen different works feature a range of styles from hip hop, contemporary ballet, tap, eastern folk-infused contemporary, dance theatre, cultural (kapa haka and Fijian) plus an aerial work. The night is full of masculine talent in varying guises with some dancers in several works. The audience is buzzing with enthusiasm throughout the show, with many often audibly supporting their friends, family and Dads.
As I survey the programme and talked to others I realise I am in for a long night, with fifteen separate performances plus MC. Although I fully support the idea of Y Chromozone I personally would have preferred to see a shorter tighter programme with no MC.
The show begins with an excerpt from Touch Compass’s latest show Watching Windows. This subtle, understated duet set predominantly in a giant wooden box captures the connections in varying ways between two accomplished performers, Adrian Smith and Jesse Johnstone–Steele.
Romale is choreographed by Melana Khabazi who cleverly weaves together folk dance, contemporary, gestures and singing into a very well crafted piece for six male dancers who perform it with gusto befitting of a band of gypsies. A striking lunge-push-back unison movement ends the piece to gasps from the audience of surprise and delight.
There are five solos with contrasting subject matter, style and movement vocabulary. Apogee, an aerial work danced by Edward Clendon and choreographed by Jesse Quaid, is a study in falling but with the aid of fabric hung vertically. The dancer moves up and down this sash, twisting and twinning to climb up, and falling and spinning to come down, only to be caught suspended in dramatic shapes with light rippling on the bare torso. Dancer Adrian Smith’s solo O Golly portrays a dual character, female rag doll, white or black depending on whether he is on his hands or feet. He uses his dexterity cleverly throughout and the first time he inverts revealing the underneath Golly is surprising, shocking and funny.
The powerful lyricism of Satosi Hashimoto is aesthetically pleasing to watch in his ballet solo exquisitely performed to J.S.Bach. With the same kind of aesthetic mapped onto his movement vocabulary by similar training, Jeremy Beck performs a poignant solo, The Speech, set to a monologue by Charlie Chaplin as a tribute to those who lost their lives in World War 1. Powerfully ending centre front stage, Beck directly engages us by looking out. A recurring pointing finger motif reminds my of the recruitment poster with the words “Your Country Needs You.”
Adam McNaughton has very large shoes to fill in taking on the challenge of performing A Long Undressing, previously danced and choreographed by Michael Parmenter. This young man performs an extract from the work with integrity and skill in both the dancing and the dialogue, capturing the original tinged with an Adam lens.
Three Kings is commanding and strongly performed by four of the Friday Company to Zadok the Priest by Handel. Brigitte Knight the choreographer adeptly explores current issues through dance, playing on the dual meaning of king -monarch versus fatal hit; violence or protection; destruction or kinship.
Opaque choreographed by Vivian Aue is just as stunning second time around, although without the tongue in cheek romantic “I’m in love” ending, as there were of course no girls in this show. The group of 10 men enter in unison and cleverly begin with a motif of clasped hands shaking, punctuated by vocal breath sounds, which subsequently recurs many times in different ways. Strong unison dancing by these ten performers allows for individuals to break out, highlighting their showmanship at different times. At one point the group work centers on all hands on one body pulsating like hearts – making me smile.
A welcome contrast is provided by the tap dancing duo of Gabriel Sutton and Jackson Tuarae, heralding a next generation of Boyzdancers. Teacher and choreographer Andrew Cesan’s relaxed style despite complicated patterns and rhythms is clearly being passed on to these tappers who perform unison tap phrases with skill. Cesan teams up with Matthew Moore in Destination X in which contemporary and hip hop blend as the two performers interact.
Two cultural works provide another view of male performance. Bati Ni Valu performed by urban Fijian artists is raw, fierce, aggressive and strongly performed with conviction. The piece focuses on warfare, a brutal and real part of Fiji’s history. He Toki( The Adze) in haka theatre style is also performed with power, conviction and strength by five male performers. Symmetrical formations and recognizable kapa haka steps infused with contemporary vocabulary provide strong vehicles for this group’s powerful message for younger Maori to take up the mantle of leadership towards a positive future.
A total crowd pleaser is the performance of the Dads (OMG Dance) crew formed last year, ably lead by Ritchie Cesan. In Tricky these dudes in matching tee shirts complete with gold chains strut their moves with humour and commitment, touching us all and making us smile, reminding us that you are never too old to begin to dance.
The final number, Identity, is from the award winning Identity hip hop crew and they do not disappoint. They give us precision, strong formations and split second timing coupled with great showmanship of the kind we have come to expect, resulting from hard work and lashings of talent and choreographic skill amongst these ten members.
All performers return to the stage for the final bow having collectively shared their passion, skill, agility, strength, humour and strong physicality for an audience of mixed X and Y chromosomers to applaud.
Copyright © in the review belongs to the reviewer
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