DRY ROOM

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A performance installation

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Inspired by the works of Bacon, Magritte, and Fréger

Choreography devised by Zi Ling and the Company

 

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Set in a Magritte-styled surreal 3-wall room, this performance installation explores how those who have experienced childhood trauma, overcome many difficulties in their adulthood and seek for redemption through faith, love and friendship.

 

The story is inspired by the MacArthur Story Stem Battery (MSSB) techniques used in psychological studies. MSSB allows researchers and counsellors to understand children's views of their world in a better way. Our narrative follows three adopted children, Natalie, Jack/Jackie and Christopher, who are the survivors of childhood trauma. Natalie was a victim of child neglect and sexual abuse; ‎Christopher lost his parents in an accident; Jack suffered domestic violence from his alcoholic parents. Their close friendship gives them strength and hope. However, the past still haunts. Confused and tormented, where shall they seek for redemption? 

 

The show gives an intriguing cinematic perspective to a narrative dance piece, by using lighting, live music, and conceptual art. 

 

The performance features Alone the heartbreaking cello solo by most celebrated Italian composer Giovanni Sollima and Night Dance by the popular composer Adam Hurst. 

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Director & Co-Designer             Zi Ling

Story & Producer                         Eldarin Yeong

Co-Designer                                  Tong Zhao

Lighting Designer                       Sarah Readman (UK)

                                                           Ali Hunter (Taiwan)

Composers                               Carolina Bartumeu, Belle Chen, Giovanni Solima, Adam Hurst, Carol Alfredo Piatti, Johann Sebastian Bach, Kevin MacLeod

 

Production Manager                 John Mackinnon (UK)

                                                          Steve Simmonds (Taiwan)

Company Stage Manager       Caitlin O'Reilly (Taiwan)

Technical Consultant                Hanna Tan (Taiwan)

                                                          Sarah Wilson (UK)

Photographer                              James Bellorini

Videographer                               Jevan Chowdhury 

 

 

 

Cast                                    

Joe Garbett                            Jack

Anastasia Kostners              Jackie

 

* The role of Jack/Jackie will be played alternately by the two cast members

 

Jemma Gould                        Natalie

James Aiden Kay                   Christopher

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Cellist                                     Carolina Bartumeu

 

Running Time:                     60mins (without interval)