Creatives collaborate in “Shannon and the Heartstrings” presented by Fiona Gordon and Kristina Johnstone at this week’s Baxter Dance Festival.
With a strong feminine focus, the concept “grew out of a conversation with Fiona, and the images from Finuala Dowling’s poem ‘Doo Wop Girls of the Universe’ which really stuck in both our minds, and this formed the basis of inspiration for the piece”, says Johnstone. “We are privileged to have had the opportunity to work with amazing artists, and felt quite strongly that each person involved should be able to create, according to their strengths. Each part of the whole as it is presented, exists completely in collaboration with the other parts, but was developed separately – guided by common threads, but embracing the elements of chance that would result.”
Elements of the design were the first thing to be explored, Johnstone explains – “Angela brought a rail of clothes in to one of our earliest rehearsals, and we have had such fun playing ‘dress up’ in every rehearsal since! And this has informed the end product much more than we could have expected.”
Using some of the songs from Durban-based singer/songwriter Shannon Hope’s album ‘Still’, the musicians rehearsed separately initially, and then came in to the studio towards the end of the rehearsal period.
The result is an experiment in interdisciplinary integration, which will culminate in a once-off performance on the Main Programme at the Baxter Dance Festival this week. The Baxter Dance Festival aims to provide emerging and established dance companies and choreographers with an opportunity to present their work. The Main Programme will be made up of various works of different lengths presented by established professionals; and works commissioned by the Festival.
“Shannon and the Heartstrings” features vocalist Shannon Hope, and some of her songs; with musical support from nylon string guitarist Nir Hermelin; in Costumes, Set and Make-up designed by Angela Nemov. With concept and choreography by Fiona Gordon and Kristina Johnstone in collaboration with the cast, the piece features lighting designed in consultation with Craig Dobson, and is brought to life by dancers Tania de Jongh, Jamie Jansen, Melissa Jansen, Kerry-Lee Knott-Craig, Thalia Laric, Seugnet Liebenberg, Che Milani, and Katie Thorp.
“Shannon and the Heartstrings” will have one performance only – on the Main Programme at the Baxter Dance Festival, on Thursday 26 August 2010. The performance starts at 8pm. The Festival runs 25 to 29 August at the Baxter Theatre. Tickets for each night of the Main Programme are R75 (discounts apply) and are available through The Baxter Theatre or Computicket.
Images: Fiona Milligan
Fiona Gordon
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